HTML <br> Tag

The <br> tag in HTML represents a line break in the text. It is an inline, empty element that forces the text following it to start on a new line without creating a new paragraph or adding extra spacing. Unlike block-level elements like <p> or <div>, <br> is intended purely for breaking lines of text within the same block. It is commonly used in places where preserving the exact formatting of text is important, such as poems, addresses, or lists where each line should appear on its own.

Key points:

• Moves content to a new line without creating additional spacing.
• Commonly used for poems, addresses, or other text that requires precise line breaks.
• Should be used sparingly for layout purposes; for separating paragraphs, use <p> instead.
• Empty/self-closing tag - no closing tag required.

Example:

<p>Roses are red,<br>
Violets are blue,<br>
Sugar is sweet,<br>
And so are you.</p>

Output: Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar is sweet,
And so are you.

Do NOT use <br> for:

• Paragraphs: Use <p> instead.
• Layout/spacing: Use CSS (margin, padding, flex, grid).
• Headings or lists: Use proper HTML structure.
• Multiple line breaks for vertical space: Use CSS spacing.
• Responsive content adjustments: <br> doesn’t adapt well.
• Semantic meaning: <br> only affects display, not structure.