HTML reference

noframes

The obsolete <noframes> element supplied fallback content for browsers that could not display a frameset. It is historical knowledge, not a choice for new pages.

What you will learn

  • Why noframes existed
  • Why new sites should avoid frame layouts
  • How to move to normal HTML, iframe, and CSS

Historical role

<frameset cols="30%, 70%">
  <frame src="menu.html">
  <frame src="content.html">
  <noframes>
    <p>This page needs a frames-capable browser.</p>
  </noframes>
</frameset>

The fallback did not repair the fundamental problems of frames: confusing URLs and history, difficult accessibility, and poor responsive behavior.

Modern choices

Related pages