The HTML command attribute
Quick answer
The HTML command attribute declares a built-in command the button runs on the element named by commandfor (no JavaScript). It is used on the <button> element.
Overview
The command attribute declares a built-in command the button runs on the element named by commandfor (no JavaScript). It applies to the <button> element.
Part of the 2025 invoker commands API: a button can open a <dialog> or control a popover declaratively, paired with commandfor. Support is still rolling out.
Syntax
<button command="show-modal" commandfor="dlg">Open</button>
<dialog id="dlg"> … </dialog>Values
| Value |
|---|
show-modal | close | request-close | toggle-popover | show-popover | hide-popover | a custom --command |
Best practices
- Always set an explicit type on a <button> — the default inside a form is
submit. - Use the
form*override attributes only when one button genuinely needs different submission behavior. - Give every button clear, descriptive text for screen readers.
- Prefer real <button> elements over clickable <div>s for keyboard and accessibility support.
Frequently asked questions
What does the command attribute do?
Declares a built-in button command (invoker commands).
Why does my button submit the form unexpectedly?
Can one button submit to a different URL than the form?
Yes. Put
formaction (and optionally formmethod) on that submit button to override the form.