Selection.toString()

This is an experimental technology
Check the Browser compatibility table carefully before using this in production.

The Selection.toString() method returns a string currently being represented by the selection object, i.e. the currently selected text.

Syntax

sel.toString()

Return value

A string representing the selection.

Description

This method returns the currently selected text.

In JavaScript, this method is called automatically when a function the selection object is passed to requires a string:

alert(window.getSelection()) // What is called
alert(window.getSelection().toString())  // What is actually being effectively called.

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
Selection API
The definition of 'Selection: toString()' in that specification.
Working Draft Current

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
toString
Experimental
Chrome Full support 1Edge Full support ≤18Firefox Full support YesIE ? Opera Full support YesSafari ? WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support YesFirefox Android Full support YesOpera Android Full support YesSafari iOS ? Samsung Internet Android Full support Yes

Legend

Full support
Full support
Compatibility unknown
Compatibility unknown
Experimental. Expect behavior to change in the future.
Experimental. Expect behavior to change in the future.

See also