Event.type

The type read-only property of the Event interface returns a string containing the event's type. It is set when the event is constructed and is the name commonly used to refer to the specific event, such as click, load, or error.

For a list of available event types, see the event reference.

Syntax

let eventType = event.type;

Value

A DOMString containing the type of Event.

Example

This example logs the event type whenever you press a keyboard key or click a mouse button.

HTML

<p>Press any key or click the mouse to get the event type.</p>
<p id="log"></p>

JavaScript

function getEventType(event) {
  const log = document.getElementById('log');
  log.innerText = event.type + '\n' + log.innerText;
}

// Keyboard events
document.addEventListener('keydown', getEventType, false);  // first
document.addEventListener('keypress', getEventType, false); // second
document.addEventListener('keyup', getEventType, false);    // third

// Mouse events
document.addEventListener('mousedown', getEventType, false); // first
document.addEventListener('mouseup', getEventType, false);   // second
document.addEventListener('click', getEventType, false);     // third

Result

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
DOM
The definition of 'Event.type' in that specification.
Living Standard
Document Object Model (DOM) Level 2 Events Specification
The definition of 'Event.type' in that specification.
Obsolete Initial definition.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
typeChrome Full support 1Edge Full support 12Firefox Full support 1IE Full support 9Opera Full support 7Safari Full support 1WebView Android Full support 1Chrome Android Full support 18Firefox Android Full support 4Opera Android Full support 10.1Safari iOS Full support 1Samsung Internet Android Full support 1.0

Legend

Full support
Full support

See also