Document.adoptNode()

Document.adoptNode() transfers a node from another document into the method's document. The adopted node and its subtree is removed from its original document (if any), and its ownerDocument is changed to the current document. The node can then be inserted into the current document.

Syntax

const importedNode = document.adoptNode(externalNode);

Parameters

externalNode
The node from another document to be adopted.

Return value

The copied importedNode in the scope of the importing document.

After calling this method, importedNode and externalNode are the same object.

Note: importedNode's Node.parentNode is null, since it has not yet been inserted into the document tree!

Example

const iframe = document.querySelector('iframe');
const iframeImages = iframe.contentDocument.querySelectorAll('img');
const newParent = document.getElementById('images');

iframeImages.forEach(function(imgEl) {
  newParent.appendChild(document.adoptNode(imgEl));
});

Notes

Before they can be inserted into the current document, nodes from external documents should either be:

Best Practice: Although Firefox doesn't currently enforce this rule, we encourage you to follow this rule for improved future compatibility.

For more on the Node.ownerDocument issues, see the W3C DOM FAQ.

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
DOM
The definition of 'document.adoptNode' in that specification.
Living Standard

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
adoptNodeChrome Full support 1Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support YesIE Full support 9Opera Full support YesSafari Full support YesWebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support YesOpera Android Full support YesSafari iOS Full support YesSamsung Internet Android Full support Yes

Legend

Full support
Full support

See also