References

Beginner-friendly references for web development, with live, editable examples.

The HTML enctype attribute

Attribute All modern browsers Updated
Quick answer

The HTML enctype attribute specifies how form data is encoded when submitted with POST. It is used on the <form> element.

Overview

The enctype attribute specifies how form data is encoded when submitted with POST. It applies to the <form> element.

Use multipart/form-data whenever the form contains a file <input type="file">.

Syntax

<form method="post" enctype="multipart/form-data"> … </form>

Values

Value
application/x-www-form-urlencoded (default) | multipart/form-data | text/plain

Best practices

  • Use method="post" for submissions that change data and method="get" for searches and filters.
  • Set enctype="multipart/form-data" when the form uploads files.
  • Prefer native validation over novalidate; only skip validation deliberately.
  • Always process and re-validate the submission on the server.

Frequently asked questions

What does the enctype attribute do?
Sets the encoding of submitted form data.
What is the difference between GET and POST?
GET appends the data to the URL (good for searches and bookmarkable results); POST sends it in the request body (used for actions that change data).
How do I let a form upload files?
Set method="post" and enctype="multipart/form-data" on the <form>.
Which elements use the enctype attribute?
It is an element-specific attribute, used on the <form> element.
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