HTML u Tag: Mastering HTML Underline

The HTML <u> tag is used to underline text, primarily for stylistic purposes.

How to Underline Text Using the HTML Tag

The <u> tag is simple to use. Enclose the text you want to underline within the opening and closing <u> tags.

<u>Underlined Text</u>

In modern HTML5, the <u> tag has been redefined to represent text that has a non-textual annotation (e.g., Chinese proper names).

When to Use the HTML Tag

The <u> tag is useful for specific cases where underlining is required.

Highlighting Important Information

You can use the <u> tag to underline significant points or important terms in your content.

<p>Please <u>read carefully</u> before proceeding.</p>

Marking Proper Names

In East Asian typography, use the <u> tag to underline proper names, such as Chinese proper names, to distinguish them from other text.

<p><u>張三</u> went to the market.</p>

Creating Templates with Underlined Sections

The <u> tag can also be integrated into reusable HTML templates, especially for annotations or formatting requirements.

<div class="template">
  <u>Template Title</u>
  <p>This section outlines reusable components.</p>
</div>

Emphasizing Titles or Keywords

Underline titles of documents or keywords within a paragraph to draw attention.

<p>Check out the document titled <u>Annual Report 2022</u> for more details.</p>

Examples of Underlined Text in HTML: Practical Applications and Tips

Websites frequently use the <u> tag to underline text for various applications. Here are some examples:

Highlighting Key Points in Articles

Articles on educational websites often underline key points or terms to emphasize their importance.

<p>It is essential to <u>understand the fundamentals</u> before moving on.</p>

Annotating Proper Names

Websites presenting Chinese literature or historical documents use the <u> tag to underline proper names for clarity.

<p>In the story, <u>王文遠</u> was the main character.</p>

Emphasizing Call-to-Actions

Marketing websites may underline action phrases to incentivize user clicks. The tag is often used to customize hyperlink aesthetics. We underline hypoerlinks for clarity and user experience. In web design, it’s also often recommended to not underline text if it’s not a hyperlink, to avoid confusion. However, in modern web development, it’s recommended to use CSS for flexibility and better accessibility.

<p><u>Sign up now</u> to receive your free trial!</p>

Learn More About Underlined Text in HTML

Advanced Text Decoration: Combining Underlines with CSS

While the HTML <u> tag is straightforward for underlining text, CSS offers more control. You can use the text-decoration property to create underlines.

.underline {
    text-decoration: underline;
}

<p class="underline">This text is underlined using CSS.</p>

Combining Underline with Italic Styling

You can further emphasize specific words or phrases by combining the <u> tag with the <i> tag to add an italic effect.

<p>This is <u><i>important</i></u> to understand.</p>

Advanced Styling

CSS allows for creating advanced underline styles, such as dashed or dotted lines.

.dashed-underline {
    text-decoration: underline;
    text-decoration-style: dashed;
}

<p class="dashed-underline">This text has a dashed underline style.</p>

Underlining Without HTML Tag

Although <u> is convenient, consider using CSS for underlining in most cases to adhere to modern web standards.

<p style="text-decoration: underline;">This text is underlined using inline CSS.</p>

Deprecated and Alternative Approaches

Using the <u> tag for simple styling is becoming less common. Instead, modern developers rely on HTML elements combined with CSS to ensure a consistent, future-proof design.

<p>This is <span style="text-decoration: underline;">an alternative</span> to the `<u>` tag.</p>

Enhancing Hyperlinks with Underline

Hyperlinks are inherently underlined. For consistent design, ensure other underlined text visually matches linked text.

<a href="#" style="text-decoration: underline;">Visit our homepage</a>

Adopt CSS class-based styling for better control and reusability.

<a href="#" class="underline">Visit our homepage</a>

Ready to dive deeper? Explore our front-end development course with easy-to-follow tutorials for underlining text, working with HTML tags, and creating stunning webpages.