onkeydown Event
Example
Execute a JavaScript when a user is pressing a key:
<input type="text" onkeydown="myFunction()">
Try it yourself »
More "Try it Yourself" examples below.
Definition and Usage
The onkeydown event occurs when the user is pressing a key (on the keyboard).
Tip: The order of events related to the onkeydown event:
- onkeydown
- onkeypress
- onkeyup
Browser Support
| Event | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| onkeydown | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Syntax
In HTML:
<element onkeydown="myScript">Try it
In JavaScript:
object.onkeydown=function(){myScript};Try it
In JavaScript, using the addEventListener() method:
object.addEventListener("keydown", myScript);Try it
Note: The addEventListener() method is not supported in Internet Explorer 8 and earlier versions.
Technical Details
| Bubbles: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Cancelable: | Yes |
| Event type: | 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 |
More Examples
Example
Using "onkeydown" together with the "onkeyup" event:
<input type="text" onkeydown="keydownFunction()" onkeyup="keyupFunction()">
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Event Object
