Blink element is deprecated

Last updated:

The <blink> element is deprecated and no longer supported by browsers. Replace it with an alternative that conveys the same emphasis without blinking:

BAD:
<p>Start free trial. <blink>It is free!</blink></p>
CORRECT:

use <strong> for highlighting importance

<p>Start free trial. <strong>It is free!</strong></p>
CORRECT:

use CSS animation if motion is needed, with a prefers-reduced-motion media query

<style>
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference) {
    .highlight { animation: fade 1s ease-in-out infinite alternate; }
  }
  @keyframes fade { from { opacity: 1; } to { opacity: 0.4; } }
</style>
<p>Start free trial. <span class="highlight">It is free!</span></p>

Why is this important?

Blinking text is distracting and harmful — especially for users with cognitive disabilities or attention disorders. The <blink> element is also deprecated and unsupported in all modern browsers, so it will not work at all.

If you need to draw attention to content, use semantic elements (<strong>, <em>) or CSS with a prefers-reduced-motion media query. This respects the operating system’s “reduce motion” setting — important for people who have vestibular disorders, as on-screen animation can cause dizziness, nausea, or disorientation.

More info:

WCAG 2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide.

Rule info

Standard

WCAG A SC 2.2.2

Regulations

Section 508 EN 301 549 RGAA EAA ADA AODA

User impact

Fix complexity

Affects

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