HTML cite Attribute

Definition and Usage

The cite attribute specifies a URL to a document that explains the quote, or why the text was inserted/changed.

Applies to

The cite attribute can be used on the following elements:

Elements	Attribute
<blockquote>	cite
<del>	cite
<ins>	cite
<q>	cite

Examples

Blockquote Example

A section that is quoted from another source:

<blockquote cite="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love">
Love encompasses a range of strong and positive emotional and mental states, from the most sublime virtue or good habit, the deepest interpersonal affection, to the simplest pleasure.
</blockquote>

Del Example

A deleted text, with a URL to a document that explains why the text was deleted:

<p><del cite="del_demo_cite.htm">This text has been deleted</del></p>

Ins Example

An inserted text, with a URL to a document that explains why the text was inserted:

<p>This is a text.
<ins cite="why_inserted.htm">This is an inserted text.</ins></p>

Q Example

Specify the source URL of a quote:

<p>Life is to:
<q cite="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love">
Love someone eternally.</p>

Browser Support

The cite attribute has the following browser support for each element:

Element
blockquote	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
del	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ins	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
q	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes