HTML <aside> Tag

The HTML <aside> tag defines content that is tangentially related to the main content of the document. It is often used for sidebars, pull quotes, advertisements, or other types of supplementary information.

Content within an <aside> tag should be relevant but not essential to the surrounding content. It helps enhance the overall user experience by providing additional context or related information.

Example of HTML <aside> Tag

Here’s a simple example demonstrating the use of the <aside> tag:

index.html

</>
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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
    <body>
        <h1>Main Content</h1>
        <p>This is the main content of the page.</p>

        <aside>
            <h2>Related Information</h2>
            <p>Here is some related information or additional context for the main content.</p>
        </aside>
    </body>
</html>
HTML aside Tag Example

Note: The <aside> tag does not have any predefined styling. Its appearance depends on the CSS applied to it.

When to Use the HTML <aside> Tag

The <aside> tag is typically used for:

  • Sidebars: Additional content such as navigation menus, links, or advertisements.
  • Pull Quotes: Highlighted quotes or excerpts from the main content.
  • Related Links: External or internal links that provide more information.
  • Supplementary Information: Content that supports but is not directly part of the main content.

Styling the <aside> Tag

The <aside> tag can be styled using CSS to make it visually distinct from the main content. Below is an example:

index.html

</>
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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
    <head>
        <style>
            aside {
                background-color: #f0f0f0;
                border-left: 4px solid #007BFF;
                padding: 10px;
                margin: 10px 0;
            }
        </style>
    </head>
    <body>
        <h1>Main Content</h1>
        <p>This is the main content of the page.</p>

        <aside>
            <h2>Did You Know?</h2>
            <p>Supplementary information or interesting facts can be placed here.</p>
        </aside>
    </body>
</html>
HTML aside Tag Example

Semantic Importance of HTML <aside> Tag

The <aside> tag has semantic importance as it clearly indicates that the content is related but separate from the main content. This improves accessibility and SEO by helping search engines and assistive technologies better understand the structure of your content.

Accessibility Tips for HTML <aside> Tag

To ensure accessibility:

  • Use meaningful headings within the <aside> to provide context.
  • Ensure the supplementary content is truly useful and enhances the main content.
  • Provide proper styling to make the <aside> visually distinct for users.