The <legend> Tag (XHTML Reference)

Introduction

In my view the <legend> tag has a completely wrong name and would just lead to misunderstanding. Usually a legend is something on a map or on a plan to explain some figures, icons or colors. However in this context it is used as a caption for the <fieldset> tag. It creates a kind of title for the <fieldset> tag. The following example and screenshot shows you what I mean.

Example

<fieldset>

<legend>Husband</legend>

<table>

  <tr>

    <td>Your Name:</td>

    <td><input type="text" size="40" maxlength="40" name="name"></td>

  </tr><tr>

    <td>Your Age:</td>

    <td><input type="text" size="40" maxlength="40" name="age"></td>

  </tr>

</table>

</fieldset>

<br/>

<fieldset>

<legend>Wife</legend>

<table>

  <tr>

    <td>Wife's Name:</td>

    <td><input type="text" size="40" maxlength="40" name="wifename"></td>

  </tr><tr>

    <td>Wife's Age:</td>

    <td><input type="text" size="40" maxlength="40" name="wifeage"></td>

  </tr>

</table>

</fieldset>

Output

Attributes