HTML - <figure>

The HTML <figure> element represents self-contained content, frequently with a caption (<figcaption>), and is typically referenced as a single unit. While it is related to the main flow, its position is independent of the main flow. Usually this is an image, an illustration, a diagram, a code snippet, or a schema that is referenced in the main text, but that can be moved to another page or to an appendix without affecting the main flow.

Examples

Example 1

HTML
<!-- Just a figure -->
<figure>
  <img src="https://developer.cdn.mozilla.net/media/img/mdn-logo-sm.png" alt="An awesome picture">
</figure>
<p></p>
<!-- Figure with figcaption -->
<figure>
  <img src="https://developer.cdn.mozilla.net/media/img/mdn-logo-sm.png" alt="An awesome picture">	
  <figcaption>Fig1. MDN Logo</figcaption>
</figure>
<p></p>
MDN Logo

 

MDN Logo
Fig1. MDN Logo

 

Example 2

HTML
<figure>
  <figcaption>Get browser details using navigator</figcaption>
  <pre>
function NavigatorExample() {
  var txt;
  txt = "Browser CodeName: " + navigator.appCodeName;
  txt+= "Browser Name: " + navigator.appName;
  txt+= "Browser Version: " + navigator.appVersion ;
  txt+= "Cookies Enabled: " + navigator.cookieEnabled;
  txt+= "Platform: " + navigator.platform;
  txt+= "User-agent header: " + navigator.userAgent;
}            
  </pre>
</figure>
Get browser details using navigator
JavaScript
function NavigatorExample() {
  var txt;
  txt = "Browser CodeName: " + navigator.appCodeName;
  txt+= "Browser Name: " + navigator.appName;
  txt+= "Browser Version: " + navigator.appVersion ;
  txt+= "Cookies Enabled: " + navigator.cookieEnabled;
  txt+= "Platform: " + navigator.platform;
  txt+= "User-agent header: " + navigator.userAgent;
}

Example 3

HTML
<figure>
  <figcaption><cite>Edsger Dijkstra :-</cite></figcaption>
  <p>"If debugging is the process of removing software bugs, <br /> then programming must be the process of putting them in"</p>
</figure>
Edsger Dijkstra :-

"If debugging is the process of removing software bugs,
then programming must be the process of putting them in"

Example 4

<figure> element could be used to markup a poem.

HTML
<figure>
 <p>
  Depression is running through my head,<br>
  These thoughts make me think of death,<br>
  A darkness which blanks my mind,<br>
  A walk through the graveyard, what can I find?....
 </p>
 <figcaption><cite>Depression</cite>. By: Darren Harris</figcaption>
</figure>

Description  

The HTML <figure> element represents self-contained content, frequently with a caption (<figcaption>), and is typically referenced as a single unit. While it is related to the main flow, its position is independent of the main flow. Usually this is an image, an illustration, a diagram, a code snippet, or a schema that is referenced in the main text, but that can be moved to another page or to an appendix without affecting the main flow.

Usage notes:
  • Being a sectioning root, the outline of the content of the <figure> element is excluded from the main outline of the document.
  • A caption can be associated with the <figure> element by inserting a <figcaption> inside it (as the first or the last child).
Content categories Flow content, sectioning root, palpable content.
Permitted content A <figcaption> element, followed by flow content; or flow content followed by a <figcaption> element; or flow content.
Tag omission None, both the starting and ending tag are mandatory.
Permitted parent elements Any element that accepts Flow content.
DOM interface HTMLElement

Browser Compatibility  

Feature Chrome Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support 8 4.0 (2.0) 9.0 11.10 5.1
Feature Android Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support 3.0 4.0 (2.0) 9.0 11.0 5.1 (iOS 5.0)

See Also  

Specifications  

Specification Status Comment
WHATWG HTML Living Standard
The definition of '<figure>' in that specification.
Living Standard  
HTML5
The definition of '<figure>' in that specification.
Recommendation  

License

© 2016 Mozilla Contributors
Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License v2.5 or later.
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-us/docs/web/html/element/figure

Element HTML HTML grouping content Reference