:read-only

The :read-only CSS pseudo-class selects an element (such as a locked text input) that is not editable by the user.

/* Selects any <input> element that is read-only */
/* Supported in Firefox with a prefix */
input:-moz-read-only {
  background-color: #ccc;
}
/* Supported in Blink/WebKit/Edge without prefix */
input:read-only {
  background-color: #ccc;
}

Note: This selector does not just select text inputs with readonly set on them; it will select any element that cannot be edited by the user.

Syntax

:read-only

Example

HTML

<input type="text" value="Type whatever you want here.">
<input type="text" value="This is a read-only field." readonly>
<p>This is a normal paragraph.</p>
<p contenteditable="true">You can edit this paragraph!</p>

CSS

input { min-width: 25em; }
input:-moz-read-only { background: cyan; }
input:read-only { background: cyan; }
p:-moz-read-only { background: lightgray; }
p:read-only { background: lightgray; }
p[contenteditable="true"] { color: blue; }

Result

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
WHATWG HTML Living Standard
The definition of ':read-only' in that specification.
Living Standard No change.
HTML5
The definition of ':read-only' in that specification.
Recommendation Defines the semantic regarding HTML and constraint validation.
Selectors Level 4
The definition of ':read-only' in that specification.
Working Draft Defines the pseudo-class, but not the associated semantic.

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Edge Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari
Basic support (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)-mozbug 312971 Nightly build [1] (Yes) (Yes)
Editable element (except for text input fields) No support No support (Yes)-mozbug 312971 No support No support No support
Feature Android Chrome for Android Edge Firefox Mobile (Gecko) IE Mobile Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support ? (Yes) (Yes) (Yes)-mozbug 312971 ? ? ?
Editable element (except for text input fields) No support No support No support (Yes)-mozbug 312971 No support No support No support

[1]: MS Edge platform status: Windows Insider Preview Build 10547+

See also

Document Tags and Contributors

 Last updated by: chrisdavidmills,