Blink element is deprecated
Last updated:
How to replace the blink element?
The <blink> element is deprecated and no longer supported by browsers. Replace it with an alternative that conveys the same emphasis without blinking:
<p>Start free trial. <blink>It is free!</blink></p>
use <strong> for highlighting importance
<p>Start free trial. <strong>It is free!</strong></p>
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:
Rule info
Standard
Regulations
User impact
Serious impact Significantly hinders users with disabilities. Should be fixed as a high priority. Critical : blocks access entirely Serious : significantly hinders use Moderate : causes difficulty Minor : minimal disruptionFix complexity
High level of required technical expertise To resolve this issue, you need technical expertise in software engineering. Resolving this issue requires modifying the software code, for which you need a background in software engineering.Affects
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