HTML map Tag

Posted in HTML Tutorial

Updated on Feb 11, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 31 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

The <map> tag in HTML is a powerful element used for creating image maps, allowing developers to define clickable areas within an image.

This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the HTML <map> tag and how to effectively implement image mapping.

🤔 What is <map> Tag?

The <map> tag is employed in conjunction with the <area> tag to define clickable regions within an image. This feature is particularly useful for creating interactive graphics, diagrams, or navigation menus on web pages.

💡 Syntax

To use the <map> tag, you need to associate it with an image using the usemap attribute in the <img> tag. Additionally, define clickable areas within the image using the <area> tag.

syntax.html

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<img src="your-image.jpg" alt="Your Image" usemap="#map-name">
<map name="map-name">
  <area shape="rect" coords="x1,y1,x2,y2" href="link1.html" alt="Area 1">
  <area shape="circle" coords="x,y,r" href="link2.html" alt="Area 2">
  <area shape="poly" coords="x1,y1,x2,y2,x3,y3" href="link3.html" alt="Area 3">
</map>

🧰 Attributes

name (in <map>): Assigns a name to the map, allowing the <img> tag to reference it through the usemap attribute.
shape (in <area>): Specifies the shape of the clickable area. Common values include rect (rectangle), circle (circle), and poly (polygon).
coords (in <area>): Defines the coordinates of the clickable area. The values depend on the shape (e.g., for rect, it's x1,y1,x2,y2).
href (in <area>): Specifies the URL to navigate to when the clickable area is activated.

📚 Common Use Cases

Image Navigation:

The <map> tag is often used to create navigation menus or interactive image-based navigation, providing users with a seamless and engaging browsing experience.

image-navigation.html

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<img src="site-map.jpg" alt="Site Map" usemap="#site-map">
<map name="site-map">
  <area shape="rect" coords="50,50,150,150" href="home.html" alt="Home">
  <area shape="rect" coords="200,50,300,150" href="about.html" alt="About">
  <!-- Additional areas for other pages -->
</map>

Image-based Forms:

By utilizing the <map> tag, developers can create image-based forms where users can interact with different regions of an image to submit information.

image-based-forms.html

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<img src="product-selector.jpg" alt="Product Selector" usemap="#product-selector">
<map name="product-selector">
  <area shape="circle" coords="100,100,50" href="select-product.html" alt="Select Product">
  <!-- Additional areas for different product options -->
</map>

🖥️ Browser Support

Understanding the compatibility of the <map> tag across different browsers is essential for delivering a consistent user experience. Here's an overview of its support:

Google Chrome: Fully supported.
Mozilla Firefox: Fully supported.
Microsoft Edge: Fully supported.
Safari: Fully supported.
Opera: Fully supported.
Internet Explorer: Partial support (some versions may have limitations).

Ensure you test your code in various browsers to guarantee a seamless experience for your audience.

🏆 Best Practices

Ensure clear and descriptive alt text for each <area> tag to enhance accessibility.
Regularly test and adjust coordinates for precise clickable areas.
Use appropriate shapes based on the design requirements.

🎉 Conclusion

The HTML <map> tag is a valuable tool for developers looking to add interactivity to images on their websites. By mastering the syntax and best practices, you can create visually appealing and user-friendly image maps that enhance the overall user experience.