How to use the HTML map and area tags for image maps
Aug 02, 2025 pm 01:59 PMImage maps in HTML allow multiple clickable areas on a single image using the <map> and <area> tags. 1. Use the tag with the usemap attribute, setting its value to #mapname to link the image to a map. 2. Define the <map> element with a name attribute matching the usemap value (without the #). 3. Inside <map>, add <area> tags to create clickable regions, specifying shape (rect, circle, poly), coords (pixel values), href (link destination), and alt text for accessibility. 4. Include optional attributes like target for opening links in new tabs and title for tooltips. Always provide meaningful alt text, ensure coordinate accuracy using image tools, and note that image maps do not scale well with responsive designs—consider CSS or JavaScript alternatives for such cases. This method is widely supported and effective for static images with distinct sections.
Image maps in HTML allow you to define clickable areas on an image, turning different parts of the image into links. This is done using the <map></map>
and <area>
tags. It’s useful when you want multiple links on a single image—like a navigation graphic or a diagram with labeled sections.

Here’s how to use them:
1. Use the <img src="/static/imghw/default1.png" data-src="https://img.php.cn/upload/article/000/000/000/175411434646439.jpeg" class="lazy" alt="How to use the HTML map and area tags for image maps" >
tag with the usemap
attribute
Start by adding an image and linking it to a map using the usemap
attribute. The value of usemap
should begin with a #
followed by the name of the map.

<img src="/static/imghw/default1.png" data-src="floor-plan.png" class="lazy" alt="Office Floor Plan" usemap="#officemap">
This tells the browser that the image is associated with a map named officemap
.
2. Define the <map>
element
Next, define the <map>
element with a name
attribute that matches the usemap
value (without the #
).

<map name="officemap"> <!-- clickable areas go here --> </map>
The <map>
acts as a container for the clickable regions.
3. Add <area>
tags to define clickable regions
Inside the <map>
, use <area>
tags to define shapes, positions, and links. Each <area>
can be a rectangle, circle, or polygon.
Basic syntax:
<area shape="rect" coords="x1,y1,x2,y2" href="link.html" alt="How to use the HTML map and area tags for image maps">
Common shape types:
rect
– rectangle:coords="left,top,right,bottom"
circle
– circle:coords="centerX,centerY,radius"
poly
– polygon:coords="x1,y1,x2,y2,x3,y3,..."
Example with multiple areas:
<map name="officemap"> <area shape="rect" coords="0,0,100,100" href="reception.html" alt="Reception"> <area shape="circle" coords="150,150,50" href="kitchen.html" alt="Kitchen"> <area shape="poly" coords="200,200,250,200,250,300,200,300" href="conference.html" alt="Conference Room"> </map>
Each <area>
creates a clickable zone on the image.
4. Important attributes for <area>
shape
: Defines the shape (rect
,circle
,poly
, ordefault
)coords
: Pixel coordinates relative to the image’s top-left cornerhref
: The link destination (like<a href>
)alt
: Alternative text for accessibility (required for accessibility compliance)target
: Optional, e.g.,_blank
to open in a new tabtitle
: Tooltip text shown on hover
Example with extra attributes:
<area shape="rect" coords="10,10,100,100" href="about.html" target="_blank" alt="About Us" title="Click to learn more">
Tips and best practices
-
Coordinate precision: Use an image editor or online tool to get accurate
coords
values. -
Accessibility: Always include meaningful
alt
text. -
Responsive images: Image maps don’t scale well with responsive images. If the image size changes, the
coords
may no longer align. Consider using CSS with relative positioning or JavaScript solutions for responsive cases. -
Backwards compatibility: The
<map></map>
and<area>
tags are widely supported, even in older browsers.
Basically, just link your image to a named map, then define clickable zones inside that map. It’s not fancy, but it works well for static images with clear sections.
The above is the detailed content of How to use the HTML map and area tags for image maps. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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