onkeydown Event

DOM Events KeyboardEvent

Definition and usage

The onkeydown event occurs when a key (on the keyboard) is pressed by the user.

Tip:Event sequence related to onkeydown event:

  1. onkeydown
  2. onkeypress
  3. onkeyup

Example

Example 1

Execute JavaScript when the user presses a key:

<input type="text" onkeydown="myFunction()">

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Example 2

Use "onkeydown" and "onkeyup" events together:

<input type="text" onkeydown="keydownFunction()" onkeyup="keyupFunction()">

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Syntax

In HTML:

<element onkeydown="myScript">

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In JavaScript:

object.onkeydown = function(){myScript};

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In JavaScript, use the addEventListener() method:

object.addEventListener("keydown", myScript);

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Note:Internet Explorer 8 or earlier versions do not support addEventListener() method.

Technical details

Bubbling: Support
Cancellable: Support
Event types: KeyboardEvent
Supported HTML tags: All HTML elements except: <base>, <bdo>, <br>, <head>, <html>, <iframe>, <meta>, <param>, <script>, <style> and <title>
DOM Version: Level 2 Events

Browser Support

Events Chrome IE Firefox Safari Opera
onkeydown Support Support Support Support Support
DOM Events KeyboardEvent