for Attribute

Where to use the for Attribute

• As Type IDREF:
  for is declared on the element: label

Description

The for attribute may be specified on the label element and should be given the id attribute of the form control for which is it a label. This creates an explicit association between the label and the form control.

This association allows user agents to implement such features as bringing the relevant form control into focus when the user clicks on the its label. This is particularly useful for input type="checkbox" and input type="radio" where, in many user agents, clicking on the label is equivalent to clicking on the radio button or checkbox itself (these controls tend to be rather small so this facility can make them easier to use).

An alternative method of associating a form control with a label is to include the form control within the label's content. This is less flexible than using the for attribute, however.