HTML <blockquote> Element
The <blockquote> element represents a section of content quoted from another source. It is intended for extended quotations that are separated from the surrounding content.
Syntax
<blockquote>
<p>An extended quotation from another source.</p>
</blockquote>The opening and closing tags are both required. The <blockquote> element can contain flow content, including paragraphs, lists, headings, and other appropriate HTML elements.
Attributes
The <blockquote> element supports the global HTML attributes and the following element-specific attribute:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
cite |
Specifies a URL for the source of the quotation or information about its source. |
Example
The following example marks a paragraph as an extended quotation and uses the cite attribute to identify its source:
<blockquote cite="https://www.example-web.site/articles/web-design.html">
<p>Good web design helps visitors find information quickly and understand how to use a website.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Source: <cite>Web Design Basics</cite></p>The quotation is contained inside <blockquote>, while the visible source attribution is placed outside the element.
Try It Yourself
Edit the quotation and source information to experiment with the <blockquote> and <cite> elements.
Usage Notes
Use <blockquote> for an extended quotation taken from another source. For a short quotation that appears within a sentence or paragraph, use the <q> element instead.
The optional cite attribute provides a URL identifying the source of the quotation. Browsers do not normally display this URL to readers, so visible source information should also be included in the page when appropriate.
When attribution is provided, it should be placed outside the <blockquote> element. The <cite> element can be used to identify the title of a referenced creative work.
Browsers commonly indent <blockquote> content by default, but the element should not be used simply to indent text. Use CSS when indentation is only a visual presentation choice.
Accessibility
Using <blockquote> for actual quotations gives the content meaningful structure instead of relying on visual indentation alone. Keep any visible attribution clear and close enough to the quotation that readers can easily understand the relationship between them.
Do not use <blockquote> solely to create margins or indentation. When content is not a quotation, use an element that accurately represents its purpose and apply the desired appearance with CSS.
Browser Support
Baseline: Widely available indicates a feature has been supported by core browsers for at least 30 months. At this stage, the feature is considered stable and safe for most websites to use without needing to worry about compatibility issues or fallbacks, as it is supported by the vast majority of users' devices and browser versions.
For detailed browser compatibility information, see Can I Use: HTML <blockquote> Element .
Related Elements
<q> - Represents a short inline quotation.
<cite> - Represents the title of a creative work being referenced.