HTML readonly Attribute

Last Updated : 31 Jul, 2026

The HTML readonly attribute, when applied to input fields or text areas, prevents users from editing the content, allowing it only for viewing purposes.

Syntax

<input readonly>

Supported Tags

This attribute is used with two elements, which are listed below:

ElementDescription
<input>Used with the readonly attribute for read-only input fields.
<textarea>Utilized with the readonly attribute for read-only text areas.

HTML readonly Attribute Examples

Example 1: In this example we demonstrates the use of the readonly attribute in an input element, making the "Country" input field read-only, while allowing editing for the "Email" field.

html 
<!--Driver Code Starts-->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<head>
    <title>readonly attribute</title>
</head>

<body>
    <h1>GeeksForGeeks</h1>
    <h2>
        readonly attribute in Input Element
    </h2>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->

    <form action="">
        Email:
        <input type="text" name="email" />
        <br />
        Country:
        <input type="text" 
               name="country" 
               value="Noida" readonly />
        <br />
        <input type="submit" value="Submit" />
    </form>

<!--Driver Code Starts-->
</body>

</html>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->

Example 2: In this example we are using the readonly attribute in a <textarea>, preventing user editing and allowing viewing of pre-filled content about GeeksForGeeks.

html 
<!--Driver Code Starts-->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
    <head>
        <title>readonly attribute</title>
    </head>

    <body>
        <h1>GeeksForGeeks</h1>
        <h2>
            readonly attribute in input Element
        </h2>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->

        <textarea rows="4" cols="40" readonly>
        GeeksForGeeks is a good website for learning computer science. It is a computer science portal for geeks.
    </textarea>

<!--Driver Code Starts-->
    </body>
</html>
<!--Driver Code Ends-->
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