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CSS:ime-mode

From MDC

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This article covers features introduced in Firefox 3


[edit] Summary

The ime-mode property controls the state of the input method editor for text fields.

[edit] Syntax

ime-mode: <mode>

[edit] Values

auto 
No change is made to the current input method editor state. This is the default.
normal 
The IME state should be normal; this value can be used in a user style sheet to override the page setting. This value is not supported by Internet Explorer.
active 
The input method editor is initially active; text entry is performed using it unless the user specifically dismisses it. Not supported on Linux.
inactive 
The input method editor is initially inactive, but the user may activate it if they wish. Not supported on Linux.
disabled 
The input method editor is disabled and may not be activated by the user.

[edit] Examples

<input type="text" name="name" value="initial value" style="ime-mode: disabled">

This example disables input method support for a field; this might be necessary for fields that enter data into a database that doesn't support extended character sets, for example.

[edit] Notes

Unlike in Internet Explorer, the Firefox implementation of ime-mode allows this property to apply to password editing fields. However, this does not make for an ideal user experience, and password fields should disable the IME. Users may correct the inappropriate behavior of sites that don't follow this recommendation by placing the following CSS into their user CSS file:

input[type=password] {
	ime-mode: auto !important;
}
Note: In general, it's not appropriate for a public web site to manipulate the IME mode setting. This property should be used for web applications and the like.

The Macintosh version of Gecko 1.9 can't recover the previous state of the IME when a field for which it is disabled loses focus, so Mac users may get grumpy when you use the disabled value.

Note: Don't rely on disabling IME to prevent extended characters from passing through your form. Even with IME disabled, users can still paste extended characters into your form's fields.

[edit] Specifications

[edit] Browser Compatibility

The ime-mode property is supported by Firefox 3 and later as well as by Internet Explorer.