Tags are what makes up every HTML document. Typing HTML is essentially typing different tags in the right order. So then, learning HTML is essentially, learning different tags, and what they do.

A tag has two symbols around it. The less than (<) and greater than (>) symbols. Then, between these two symbols are one or more words defining the tag. An example showing the structure is <TAGNAME>. Tagname would then be replaced with the desired tag.

Tags usually, but not always, run in pairs. For each pair there is a Starting Tag and a Closing Tag. Then, between the two tags, is the information that the tag effects. A starting tag has the normal less than (<) and greater than (>) symbols around it, while the closing tag has the same thing except for an added Forward Slash (/) after the less than symbol. So, using the example above again, here is a line of HTML using what this step teaches.

<TAGNAME> Hello World! </TAGNAME>

You will see, that the starting tag is <TAGNAME>, and the closing tag is </TAGNAME>, with the text, "Hello World!", being effected by the tags surrounding it. If this all still seems confusing to you, don't worry, once you get started it will all begin making sense.

Less Than (<) = Shift + Comma (,)
More Than (>) = Shift + Period (.)

Capitalization makes no difference in tags, but we recommend that you capitalize all your tags to make your HTML document easier to read.

If you would like more information about tags, or have any unanswered questions, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions section for more support.