HTML <keygen> tag

Updated: 09/12/2023 by Computer Hope

When writing in HTML (hypertext markup language), the <keygen> tag designates a key-pair generator field used within <form> tags. Upon submission, the public key is sent to the server while the private key is stored locally. They are useful for adding security to forms. The following sections contain information about the <keygen> tag, including an example of it in use, and related attributes and browser compatibility.

Note

The <keygen> tag belongs to a group of tags called form elements.

Example of <keygen> code

<form>
  Username: <input type="text" name="uname"><br>
  Encryption: <keygen name="secure">
  <input type="submit">
</form>

Example result

Attributes

All HTML tags support standard attributes that define the settings of an HTML element. In addition to the standard settings, the <keygen> tag has the following unique attributes.

Attribute	Description
autofocus	Designates that an <keygen> element should be the first thing focused when the page loads.
challenge	Designates that the value of the <keygen> element should be double checked upon submission.
disabled	Designates that the <keygen> element is disabled.
form	Designates the form(s) containing the <keygen> element.
keytype	Designates the security algorithm to be used with the key.
name	Designates a name for the <keygen> element.

Compatibility

Edge	Internet Explorer	Firefox	Safari	Opera	Chrome
All versions	Not supported	1.0+	1.2+	3.0+	1.0+

Additional form elements

Algorithm, Browser, Compatibility, Nesting, URL, Web design terms