If you are new to HTML, you might have heard about the Blink HTML tag. It is one of the most interesting and controversial HTML elements ever created. The tag was used to make text blink on the screen – appearing and disappearing repeatedly.
Although it sounds simple, the blink HTML tag has a unique history. It was once popular in the early days of the internet but is now deprecated and no longer supported in modern browsers. Still, many beginners search for “blink HTML” because they want to create blinking text effects on websites.
In this article, we will cover everything about the blink HTML tag.
What is the Blink HTML Tag?
The <blink> html tag was an old HTML element designed to make text blink. It was first introduced in Netscape Navigator (one of the first web browsers) in the 1990s.
Example (old syntax):
<blink>This is blinking text!</blink>When you wrote the above code in an early browser like Netscape, the text would blink automatically.
Today, if you try this code in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, nothing will happen because the tag is no longer supported.
History of the Blink Tag
- The <blink> element was introduced by Netscape around 1994.
- It was never part of the official W3C HTML standard.
- Early web designers used it widely for attracting attention (like “SALE!”, “New!”, “Important!”).
- But soon it became overused and annoying for users.
- By the 2000s, most browsers stopped supporting it.
- Today,<blink> is considered deprecated and is not recognized by HTML5.
The fun fact is that developers often cite <blink> and <marquee> (scrolling text) as examples of poor web design.
Example of Blink HTML (Old Usage)
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Blink Example</title>
</head>
<body>
<blink>This text will blink in old browsers!</blink>
</body>
</html>Modern Alternatives to Blink HTML
1. Using CSS Animation
<style>
.blink {
animation: blinker 1s linear infinite;
}
@keyframes blinker {
50% {
opacity: 0;
}
}
</style>
<p class="blink">This text blinks using CSS!</p>
- Works in all modern browsers.
- You can control speed and effect.
3. Using JavaScript
<p id="blinkText">This text will blink using JavaScript!</p>
<script>
setInterval(() => {
const text = document.getElementById("blinkText");
text.style.visibility =
(text.style.visibility === "hidden") ? "visible" : "hidden";
}, 500);
</script>
- Good for simple blinking effect.
- More flexible than CSS.
Advantages of Blinking Text
- Catches user attention quickly.
- Useful for warnings, notifications, or important messages.
- Easy to create with CSS or JavaScript.
Disadvantages of Blinking Text
- Bad user experience – overuse can annoy visitors.
- Accessibility issue – not friendly for visually impaired users.
- May cause distraction and reduce readability.
- Some users with epilepsy may face health risks from rapid blinking.
That’s why modern web designers recommend using blinking effects only for critical purposes, like alerts or urgent messages.
Future of Blinking Text
The <blink> tag will never return officially in HTML5 or future standards. But developers can always replicate the effect using CSS animations and JavaScript toggles.
Instead of making whole paragraphs blink, a better approach is:
- Highlight important words using bold or color
- Use CSS transitions for subtle effects
- Add animated icons (like warning symbols) instead of text blinking
Conclusion
The blink HTML tag (<blink>) is a fun piece of web history. It once made text blink on early websites but is now obsolete and deprecated. Modern web design relies on CSS animations and JavaScript for the same effect, offering more control and better accessibility.
Blinking text should be used sparingly – not as decoration, but only when you need to highlight something truly important.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Does still work in HTML5?
No. The tag is not part of HTML5 and is not supported in modern browsers.
Q2: How can I make text blink in HTML today?
You should use CSS animations or JavaScript to create blinking effects.
Q3: Why was removed?
It was removed because it annoyed users, had accessibility issues, and was never standardized.
Q4: Is blinking text bad for SEO?
Yes, if overused. Google does not penalize it directly, but it creates poor user experience.
Q5: What are alternatives to blinking text?
You can use CSS animations, highlight colors, or animated icons instead of text blinking.