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Marquee Effects: A Look Back and Modern Alternatives

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Covenant West
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2 min read

Table of contents

Introduction

The concept of a marquee, scrolling text or images across a webpage, was once a popular design choice. While nostalgia might make them seem appealing, there are better ways to achieve similar effects today. This article will explore the history of marquees in web design, why they're no longer recommended, and modern alternatives you can use to create engaging web experiences.

The Rise and Fall of the Marquee Tag

The <marquee> tag was introduced in early web browsers to create scrolling content. It offered some customization options, but marquees quickly became overused and fell out of favor for several reasons:

  • Accessibility Issues: Marquees can be distracting and difficult for users with certain disabilities to follow. They can also cause nausea for some viewers.

  • Usability Concerns: Marquees often disrupt the flow of content on a page, making it hard for users to focus on the intended message.

  • Limited Control: The <marquee> tag offered limited control over the scrolling behavior, making it challenging to achieve a polished look.

Due to these limitations, the <marquee> tag has been deprecated by modern web standards.

Modern Alternatives for Scrolling Text and Images

Here are some creative ways to achieve similar effects to marquees using current web development practices:

  • CSS Animations: CSS animations offer a powerful and accessible way to create smooth scrolling text or image effects. You can define the animation speed, direction, and timing for a more controlled and user-friendly experience.

  • JavaScript Libraries: Several JavaScript libraries like Marquee.js or Flickity.js provide pre-built components for creating marquees with advanced features like touch support and responsiveness.

  • Flexbox and Grid Layout: These layout techniques can be used to create a "carousel" effect where content appears to scroll horizontally. This allows users to control the scrolling behavior with buttons or touch gestures.

These alternatives offer greater flexibility, accessibility, and user control compared to the outdated <marquee> tag.

Conclusion

While marquees hold a place in web design history, they're not the best choice for modern websites. By utilizing CSS animations, JavaScript libraries, or modern layout techniques, you can create engaging scrolling effects that enhance the user experience without sacrificing accessibility or usability.

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