Can I apply the required attribute to `<select>` fields in HTML?

html

form-validation

html5

accessibility

byAnton Shumikhin·Jan 31, 2025

Yes, the required attribute can be applied to a <select> element to enforce selection:

<select required>
  <option value="">Choose wisely:</option>
  <option value="1">I'll be back</option>
  <option value="2">Live long and prosper</option> 
</select>

Got it? The required attribute indicates that users must make a selection to proceed.

Form validation with required attribute

Applying the required attribute will ensure that a user must select an option before the form can be submitted. It's like that annoying friend who keeps nagging you until you choose a movie to watch 🍿📽️.

Placeholder option for select

To use required effectively in a <select>, start by defining an empty option that prompts users to make a selection:

<!-- Who isn't scared of making choices, right? 😂 -->
<option value="" selected disabled>Choose, like your life depends on it</option>

Include HTML5 DOCTYPE for required attribute usage

An important thing to keep in mind is that the required attribute is HTML5 specific. So, if you've time-travelled from the past and are using an HTML4 DOCTYPE or older, you might want to update:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>
  <!-- A wildcard for "please select an option" 🃏 -->
  <option value="" disabled selected>You can't leave this empty</option>
</body>
</html>

Complementing required with server-side validation

While HTML5's required attribute is helpful, always ensure your data integrity and security by validating on the server-side.

Javascript based form control

Need more power? Leverage JavaScript to reveal the index of the selected option. The property selectedIndex returns -1 if no option is selected (well, you can blame JavaScript for being a zero-indexed language! 😅):

let selectElement = document.getElementById('mySelect');
if (selectElement.selectedIndex === -1) {  
  alert("Even Bot needs a choice. Please select an option.");
}

Making required more user-friendly

Here's how you can fine-tune your <select required> to provide a better user experience:

Highlight the selected choice

Use a little CSS magic to make the selected option stand out (who doesn't like to feel special, right?)

Onchange feedback

Use the onchange event in JavaScript to deliver real-time feedback 🔄 once a selection is made.

Reduce cognitive load

Introduce form fields dynamically, based on user selection – keep it simple, silly (KISS) principle!

Considering accessibility

The required tag boosts accessibility as screen readers can identify and inform the user about required fields. Make sure to include appropriate labels 👀.

explain-codes / Html / Can I apply the required attribute to <select> fields in HTML?

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