Deprecated HTML Tags are older elements that modern web standards no longer recommend. While browsers may still display them, they can cause maintenance headaches, accessibility gaps, and inconsistent behavior over time. Replacing them with current HTML and CSS improves quality and reduces technical debt.

Deprecated HTML Tags

Deprecated HTML tags are elements from older versions of HTML that modern web standards no longer recommend using. Tags like , <center>, and <marquee> were once common but have been replaced by CSS and newer HTML elements. Browsers still render most of them, which is why they linger — but just because they work today does not mean they will work tomorrow.

Why It Matters

Browser support can be dropped at any time. Deprecated tags exist in a grace period. Browser vendors may remove support for them in future versions without warning, breaking your pages overnight.
They mix presentation with structure. Tags like  and <center> are about how things look, not what they mean. Modern web development separates structure (HTML) from presentation (CSS), making sites easier to maintain and restyle.
Accessibility suffers. Deprecated tags often lack proper semantic meaning. Screen readers and assistive tools rely on well-structured, semantic HTML to convey content accurately. Deprecated tags can create gaps in that communication.
They signal outdated code. Using deprecated tags can suggest that a codebase has not been maintained. This can affect how search engines evaluate your site's overall technical quality and modernity.

How to Replace Them

Replace  with CSS. Instead of , use a  with style="color: red; font-size: 1.2em;" or, better yet, a CSS class.
Replace <center> with CSS alignment. Use text-align: center on a container or flexbox/grid centering instead of the <center> tag.
Replace  and  context-appropriately. Use  for important text and  for emphasized text — these carry meaning. If you just want visual styling without semantic meaning, use CSS font-weight and font-style.
Remove <marquee> entirely. Scrolling text is a usability nightmare. If you genuinely need animated content, use CSS animations with proper controls and respect for prefers-reduced-motion.
Search your codebase for deprecated tags. Do a global search for known deprecated elements and systematically replace them. Common offenders include , <center>, <marquee>, <strike>, <big>, and <blink>.

Common Mistakes

Assuming "it works" means "it is fine." Deprecated tags render today because of backwards compatibility, not because they are supported. There is no guarantee they will work in next year's browser update.
Copy-pasting old code. Legacy templates, email HTML, and old CMS content often contain deprecated tags. When reusing old code, always check for and replace outdated elements.
Using <table> for layout. While <table> itself is not deprecated, using it for page layout instead of data is an outdated practice with serious accessibility and responsiveness problems. Use CSS grid or flexbox instead.
Confusing deprecated with obsolete. Deprecated means "still works but should not be used." Obsolete means "may not work at all." Both should be replaced, but deprecated tags are sneaky because they still appear to function normally.

Bottom Line: Replace deprecated HTML tags with modern equivalents. Use semantic HTML for structure and CSS for presentation. Just because an old tag still renders does not mean you should keep using it.

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Synonyms: Obsolete Tags, Old HTML Elements

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noun | / LIK-wid PUR-pul /

(biochemistry) Also known as visual purple or rhodopsin — a light-sensitive receptor protein found in the rods of the retina. It enables vision in dim light by transforming invisible darkness into visible form. Derived from the Greek rhódon (rose) and ópsis (sight), its name reflects its delicate pink hue and vital role in perception.
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Glossary of Terms

Deprecated HTML Tags