Using Preformatted Text

The PRE (Preformatted Text) element lets you include preformatted text in Web pages. Unlike in other HTML elements, all spaces and hard returns nested in a PRE element are displayed, rather than ignored. Text inserted in a PRE element is displayed in a monospaced (fixed-pitch) font (generally, Courier New). The example file contains a tabular arrangement of egg classifications and weights, formatted using spaces and returns. Use the PRE element to display it as it appears in a browser (see Figure 3.24):

<p>The size or weight class of a carton of eggs refers to the
minimum weight per dozen. Size and quality are not
related. The following table shows the different egg
weight classes:</p>
<!--Start preformatted text
<pre>
    Weight Class        Minimum Weight

    Jumbo               30 oz.
    Extra Large         27 oz.
    Large               24 oz.
    Medium              21 oz.
    Small               18 oz.
    Peewee              15 oz.
</pre>
End preformatted text-->

Figure 3.24: Spaces and hard returns are not ignored, but are displayed, when inserted inside of a PRE element.

Tip

Using the PRE element, you can easily include worksheets exported from many spread-sheets in your HTML documents. Just export your document as a "print" file (or PRN file, with a .prn extension) and then copy and paste it into your HTML document. In Microsoft Excel, select File, Save As, and Formatted Text (Space delimited) (*.prn), to export a PRN file. The PRN format originated in Lotus 1-2-3, back when worksheets often had to be carried, via sneakernet, to be printed on another computer.