HTML cite attribute

HTML cite attribute: This attribute defines a URL document which explains the quote. And also why the text has been inserted or changed. While it supports different elements like <del>, <ins>, <blockquote> and <q>. User agents may allow users to follow such citation links, but they are primarily intended for user-agent or search engines, not for readers.

HTML cite attribute

Supported Browsers

This attribute supports different type of browsers. They are as follows:

  • Chrome
  • Mozilla
  • Internet Explorer
  • Safari
  • Opera

Example: <blockquote>

<blockquote cite="http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/index.html">
For 50 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The world's leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. 
</blockquote>

Output:

HTML cite attribute blockquoteExample: <ins>

<p>This is a text.
<ins cite="why_inserted.htm">This is an inserted text.</ins></p>

Output:

This is a text. This is an inserted text.

Note: The cite attribute does not render as anything special in any of the major browsers.

Example: <del>

<p><del cite="del_demo_cite.htm">This text has been deleted</del></p>

Output:

This text has been deleted.

Example: <q> source url

<p>WWF's goal is to:
<q cite="http://www.wwf.org">
Build a future where people live in harmony with nature.</q>
We hope they succeed.</p>

Output:

WWF’s goal is to: Build a future where people live in harmony with nature. We hope they succeed.

Note: The cite attribute has no visual effect in ordinary web browsers, but can be used by screen readers.