An iFrame is an HTML element that allows the user to embed an external webpage. Rather than redirecting the user to a site or page, the user can embed content, including videos, maps, forms, or external services.
In modern websites, iFrames are a go-to option because they allow the addition of third-party services without extensive code. Whether embedding a YouTube video, a Google Map, or a payment form, or adding an analytics dashboard, iFrames allow the developer to reuse content, maintain the overall design, and minimize development time, all while keeping the external content separate from the main site.
Key Takeaways
- iFrames are HTML elements that are used to embed content from external sources, and they do not direct users to other sites.
- Videos, maps, forms, and other third-party widgets are commonly embedded using iFrames.
- iFrames allow the developer to reuse services and tools that they need to implement, thus minimizing development time.
- By embedding content, iFrames keep the code clean, which improves performance and stability.
- Using iFrames can diminish SEO and performance, and should generally be avoided.
- It is important to apply best security practices, such as sandboxing and trusted sources, when using iFrames.
- When utilized properly, iFrames can still be a viable option for modern websites.
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What Does iFrame Stand For?
The full meaning of iFrame is inline frame. It is a type of HTML document. It is a method that allows a web page to view another web page or an external resource, within a certain window of the current page. The content of the page is downloaded from a different location. However, it still appears to be part of the document.
iFrames are modern versions of older HTML frame-based layouts. A frame-based layout could diffuse the entire window of the browser into separate segments. Each of those segments would load a different page. This would cause a lot of usability and SEO problems. However, iFrames are located within the content of a web page. This makes them a lot more flexible and easier to design for a modern web layout.
How Does an iFrame Work?
The function of an iFrame is to embed one web page within another. This is done by using a specific HTML tag. On the parent page, there is an iFrame element that links to another page or an external file. The file will be displayed within an area that has a specific height and width on the webpage.
When browsers load web pages containing iFrames, they treat them as unique documents. Because a parent page and iFrame load separately, other web pages can load, refresh, or fail without negatively impacting the pages that the iFrame is part of.
For safety reasons, the parent page and embedded page relationship is deliberately restricted. The parent page can interact with and change the iFrame’s information only if both documents are of equal origin. This provision protects against malevolent programming effects, making web pages safer.
Understanding iFrame Syntax and Examples
iFrame Attributes
The iFrame requires the HTML attribute so that it can display the content of other sites. The width and height attributes can be used to make the iFrame serve a clean and organized look. The title attribute is used to improve the website accessibility of the iFrame to the web page and describe the content of the iFrame to the readers (screen) who cannot see it (read the web page).
Furthermore, the performance and the security of the web page can be improved using some additional attributes. For example, the iFrame can be set to load content only if the iFrame is visible using the lazy load feature. And there are also some attributes to limit the web page that is served within the iFrame to ensure security while browsing.
An example of an iFrame use case includes embedding a contact form or signup form from a third party. This eliminates the need to build a form system yourself. With an iFrame you can allow visitors to submit data on your site while the data is processed somewhere else.
Common Uses of iFrames
Very often, the same data is on many different sites. iFrame technology helps you to avoid duplication of data, while still keeping a smooth user experience.
Embedding Videos (YouTube, Vimeo)
One of the most common ways to use iFrame is to embed videos. iFrame is used to view videos from the platforms such as Youtube and Vimeo. This is beneficial as it allows websites to offer and view videos within their content, such as blog or landing pages, without the need to host large media files which in turn may offer quick load time or reliable playback.
Displaying Maps (Google Maps)
iFrames are used to embed Google Maps on contact or location pages of businesses. This way, customers who are browsing the businesses can get to fit their needs without being redirected to an external website.
Adding Third-Party Widgets, Forms, or Ads
iFrames help in the embedding of third-party tools and remain secure, such as payment forms, booking systems, live chats, and Google Ads. These elements are embedded in iFrames.
Showing External Content Without Redirecting Users
Keeping users on the same webpage is one of the main advantages of using iFrames; they allow the embedding of external content, which can include WordPress dashboards, reports, or partner sites. Users can retrieve current external information while remaining on the same webpage, which improves the overall experience.
| A large percentage of embedded online videos are delivered using iFrames. Studies and developer reports indicate that over 70% of video embeds on websites, especially from platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, rely on iFrame technology to display content securely. |
Advantages of Using iFrames
For many developers, one of the most common uses of iFrames is to display external content, as the use of iFrames is common in many modern websites and applications.
Easy Content Embedding
Since many consider the biggest advantage of iFrames to be their ease of use. All that is needed is a small snippet of HTML code, and you can integrate videos, maps, forms, and even full web pages. This quick and easy use of iFrames makes them a great choice for teams that do not have a lot of coding experience or do not want to deal with a lot of advanced programming.
Keeps External Content Separate
Using iFrames means the external content is loaded in a separate environment from the main site. This means there will be no conflicts between the content of the main site and the external content that could be caused by styles, scripts, or other source content. In addition, if the external content that you are embedding breaks or is updated, that will not affect the main site.
Reduces Development Effort
Developers should not have to build features from scratch that are readily available elsewhere. This means that instead of having to create custom solutions like video players like SMPlayers, maps, or forms, iFrames should be used to embed external solutions. This conserves time, creates less work to maintain the system, and allows teams to concentrate on the more important aspects of the site.
Useful for Third-Party Integrations
Various third-party services require the use of iFrames to integrate with your services. Payment processors, analytics dashboards, booking services, and ad services use iFrames to display content. Therefore, iFrames secure the delivery of content and are effective for integrating tools.
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Disadvantages and Limitations of iFrames
While iFrames are convenient, they also come with drawbacks that should be carefully considered before using them.
SEO Limitations
Search engines recognize that the content in an iFrame is its own separate document and, for that reason, the content that is embedded does not contribute to the SEO of the web page. There is important content that is lost in iFrames that is critical for SEO content, and that is the body copy, anchor text, keywords, and links. All of these things help with visibility, but when they are included in an iFrame, they will not help the page gain visibility.
Performance Concerns
If iFrames are not used correctly, they may hurt the performance of the web page. It may take longer for a page to load because each iFrame will load a separate resource. It will increase the amount of time required for the page to fully load. Also, the user experience may be compromised when the loading content is slow.
Security Risks (Clickjacking and Cross-Origin Issues)
iFrames are considered risky because of the potential for embedded content to contain malicious content. This is known as a clickjacking attack. Cross-origin restrictions prevent the parent page and embedded content from communicating and can make functionality and debugging more difficult.
Limited Control Over Embedded Content
The use of iFrames offers little control over the embedded content’s design, functionality, or modifications. Changes by any third party can result in appearances that are inconsistent or problematic. This is especially challenging for branding to be consistent across a layout or pages.
iFrame Security Considerations
When using iFrames, security is one of the most important considerations to take into account, particularly when embedding third-party or external content.
Use iFrames only for non-critical content like videos, maps, or third-party tools, and always enable security features such as sandboxing and HTTPS. Keep your main content outside iFrames to protect SEO, improve performance, and maintain full control over your website’s user experience.
Hamza Aitzad
WordPress Writer
What Is Sandboxing?
A sandbox is a security measure that allows you to control what an iFrame can do within the browser. With sandboxing, the embedded content runs in a restricted environment, one that has minimal permissions. For example, you can block it from executing scripts, submitting forms, or accessing cookies, unless you specifically allow it. This helps to contain the embedded content from engaging in any harmful activity, thus protecting your site and your users from any potential risk.
Cross-Origin Restrictions
To prevent one site from accessing the data of another site without permission, most browsers implement strict cross-origin policies. This means that a parent page cannot read or modify the content of an iFrame from a different domain. Even though this limits functionality, it is important in protecting against data theft, unauthorized access, and access via a script.
iFrames and SEO: Are They Bad?
iFrames are not necessarily bad for SEO. However, depending on how they are used, they can hurt search visibility and performance of the page.
How Search Engines Treat iFrames
Any page that uses an iFrame will have the iFrame content treated as a separate document from the parent page. Even though search engines are able to crawl the URLs of the sources of the iFrames, the content in them will not be linked to the parent page from a ranking perspective. This means that the content in the iFrame will not add any SEO value to the overall page that uses the iFrame.
When iFrames Can Hurt SEO
If there is important content, keywords, or internal links in an iFrame, it will hurt SEO. Because the information in the iFrame will not be associated with the page, there will be ranking opportunities that will not be capitalized on. Pages that use too many iFrames will also have poor load times and will therefore have poor user experiences and search rankings.
When iFrames Are Safe to Use
iFrames are generally safe for SEO when used for noncritical content like videos, maps, ads, or other third-party widgets. As long as your main text content, headings, and internal links are outside the iFrame, your page should still rank well in search results. iFrames can serve a purpose and improve functionality without negatively impacting SEO.
Conclusion
An iFrame is a great way to embed videos, maps, forms, or widgets into a webpage. Also, all of this without having to redirect users to different pages. They create a frame on your webpage and display content from other websites.
iFrames do come with some downsides. They can create SEO issues, impacting page performance, and some other security issues. They are great for third-party integrations, reduce the amount of coding needed from the developer, and are easy to use to embed content.
Moderation and purpose are the customs for using iFrames properly. Don’t embed critical content, only use content from trusted sources, and use the security best practices. iFrames can be used to improve functionality and overall user experience without downscaling performance or search visibility.
FAQ
What is an iFrame used for?
An iFrame is used to embed external content such as videos, maps, forms, ads, or widgets directly into a webpage. It allows websites to display third-party content without redirecting users away from the page.
Are iFrames secure?
iFrames can be secure when used properly. Embedding content from trusted sources, enabling sandboxing, and following security best practices helps reduce risks like malicious scripts or clickjacking attacks.
Do iFrames affect website speed?
iFrames can impact website speed if they load heavy or slow external resources. Using too many iFrames or embedding poorly optimized content may increase page load time and affect user experience.
Can iFrames be indexed by Google?
Google can crawl the content inside an iFrame, but it is treated as a separate page. This means the embedded content may not directly contribute to the SEO rankings of the main page.
Are iFrames still relevant today?
Yes, iFrames are still widely used today, especially for embedding videos, maps, payment forms, and third-party tools. When used thoughtfully, they remain a practical and reliable solution for modern web development.
