Using Paragraphs, Line Breaks,

  Formatting Properties & Align Tags

PARAGRAPH

When creating an HTML document, you must use tags to specify where you want each paragraph to begin. The opening tag for a paragraph is <p> and the closing tag is </p>. You do not always need the </p> but it is recommended, especially when a passage has ended.

• The Paragraph code <p> in HTML automatically creates an extra space between lines, graphics, and the text.
• When you use the <p> it is similar to double spacing in a word document.
• Without the <p> you would not be able to start a new paragraph.
• The Enter key on your keyboard is NOT RECOGNIZED in HTML and your sentences will just continue and word wrap.

LINE BREAK

The BREAK code <br> in HTML makes the line break at that point where you enter it. If you do not add the <br> in your HTML document the text will word wrap at the end of a line. This tag has no closing tag.

Example WITHOUT line Break...

First Sentence. Second Sentence. Third Sentence.

First Sentence.
Second Sentence.
Third Sentence.

Example WITH line Break...

First Sentence.
Second Sentence.
Third Sentence.

First Sentence.<br>
Second Sentence.<br>
Third Sentence.<br>

FORMATTING PROPERTIES

Formatting tags let you change the appearance of text. Without formatting, text can be visually uninteresting and difficult for the visitor to read. Formatting tags can provide emphasis or act as markers to help the visitor find information.

Some common text formatting tags are:

<b> and </b> for bold

<i> and </i> for italics

<u> and </u> for underlined  (Note that words underlined suggests a link to another site or area on the Web page.)

<font size=?> and </font> tags also come in handy.

Example of font tags...

Bellingham Schools are Cool aren't they?

<font size=+1>Bellingham</font><font size=+2>Schools</font>

<font size=+3>are</font><font size=+2>Cool</font><font size=+1>aren't</font><font size=-1>they?</font>

ALIGN ATTRIBUTE

You can align text in three different ways using the ALIGN attributes. Text can be aligned with the left, center, or right margin. The ALIGN=? attribute is placed in the opening tag before the >. Replace the ? with the way you want to align the text (example ALIGN=LEFT).

This text is left aligned

<h3 align=left>This text is left aligned</h3>

This text is center aligned

<h3 align=center>This text is center aligned</h3>

This text is right aligned

<h3 align=right>This text is right aligned</h3>


Add some more text to your web page, so you have 2-3 paragraphs.
Use the Paragraph tag for new paragraphs.
Use the Break tag to interrupt wordwrap--like using the Enter key in word processing.
Add some formatting properties to your text--bold or italics.
Change the alignment of one part of your text.
Save your source and click Refresh to view your page in the web browser.