Window.frames

Returns the window itself, which is an array-like object, listing the direct sub-frames of the current window.

Syntax

frameList = window.frames;
  • frameList is a list of frame objects. It is similar to an array in that it has a length property and its items can be accessed using the [i] notation.
  • frameList === window evaluates to true.
  • Each item in the window.frames pseudo-array represents the Window object corresponding to the given <frame>'s or <iframe>'s content, not the (i)frame DOM element (i.e., window.frames[0] is the same thing as document.getElementsByTagName("iframe")[0].contentWindow).
  • For more details about the returned value, refer to this thread on mozilla.dev.platform.

Example

var frames = window.frames; // or // var frames = window.parent.frames;
for (var i = 0; i < frames.length; i++) {
  // do something with each subframe as frames[i]
  frames[i].document.body.style.background = "red";
}

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
HTML Living Standard
The definition of 'Window.frames' in that specification.
Living Standard
HTML5
The definition of 'Window.frames' in that specification.
Recommendation

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
framesChrome Full support YesEdge Full support 12Firefox Full support YesIE Full support YesOpera 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