Introduction: Why Text Centering Matters in Web Design

Text alignment is one of the first things users notice on a website. Well-aligned text makes content easy to read, visually balanced, and professional-looking.

In real-life websites, text centering is commonly used in:

  • Website headings and banners

  • Buttons and call-to-action text

  • Portfolio hero sections

  • Login forms and cards

  • Landing pages

As a beginner learning HTML, understanding how to center text in HTML correctly is a foundational skill you’ll use again and again.

In this guide, you’ll learn all the ways to center text, which methods are outdated, and which are recommended by industry standards.

What Does “Center Text in HTML” Mean?

When we say HTML text center, we usually mean:

  • Aligning text horizontally in the middle of its container

This is done using CSS text alignment, not modern HTML tags.

Methods to Center Text in HTML (Step-by-Step)

Let’s go through every method—starting from outdated approaches to modern best practices.

A. Using the <center> Tag ( Deprecated – Not Recommended)

 

What Is the <center> Tag?

The <center> tag was used in old HTML to center text.

 Why It’s Not Recommended

  • Deprecated in HTML5

  • Not supported in modern standards

  • Mixes content with presentation

  • Bad for SEO and accessibility

 Example (Do Not Use)

<center>This text is centered</center>

Output Explanation

The text appears centered, but this method should never be used in professional websites.

B. Using Inline CSS (text-align: center)

Explanation

Inline CSS applies styles directly inside an HTML element.

Example

<p style="text-align: center;">
  This text is centered using inline CSS.
</p>

Output Explanation

The paragraph text is centered horizontally.

 When to Use

  • Quick testing

  • Small demos

Why Not Ideal

  • Hard to maintain

  • Not reusable

  • Not scalable

C. Using Internal CSS (Better Approach)

Explanation

Internal CSS is written inside a <style> tag in the <head> section.

Example

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
  <style>
    .center-text {
      text-align: center;
    }
  </style>
</head>
<body>

<p class="center-text">This text is centered using internal CSS.</p>

</body>
</html>

Output Explanation

The text aligns to the center using a reusable CSS class.

D. Using External CSS ( Best Practice)

Explanation

External CSS keeps styling in a separate file, which is clean, professional, and SEO-friendly.

HTML File

<p class="center-text">This text is centered using external CSS.</p>

CSS File (style.css)

.center-text {
  text-align: center;
}

Output Explanation

Text is centered cleanly, and styles can be reused across multiple pages.

Why This Is Best

  • Clean code

  • Easy maintenance

  • Industry standard

  • SEO-friendly

Centering Text in Common HTML Elements

Center Text Inside a Div

<div style="text-align: center;">
  Centered text inside a div
</div>

Center Text in a Button

<button style="text-align: center;">
  Click Me
</button>

💡 Button text is centered by default, but text-align helps when customizing.

Center Headings

<h1 style="text-align: center;">
  Centered Heading
</h1>

Center Paragraph Text

 
<p style="text-align: center;">
  This paragraph is centered.
</p>

CSS vs HTML Text Alignment (Important for SEO)

FeatureHTML AlignmentCSS Alignment
Modern Standard❌ No✅ Yes
SEO Friendly❌ Poor✅ Excellent
Reusable❌ No✅ Yes
Clean Code❌ No✅ Yes
Recommended❌ No✅ Yes

Conclusion: Always use CSS text-align center instead of HTML tags.

Common Beginner Mistakes

  •  Forgetting to add text-align: center
    Using <center> tag
  • Mixing HTML and CSS styles
  •  Confusing horizontal centering with vertical centering
  • Applying styles to the wrong element

Best Practices (Industry Standard)

  • Always use CSS
  • Create reusable classes
  • Keep HTML clean
  • Use external CSS files
  • Write readable,
  • maintainable code

Real-World Example: Portfolio Hero Section

HTML

<section class="hero">
  <h1>Hi, I’m Arvinder</h1>
  <p>Web Developer & Trainer</p>
  <button>View My Work</button>
</section>

CSS

.hero {
  text-align: center;
  padding: 50px;
}

Result

A clean, professional, centered hero section—commonly used in portfolios and landing pages.

FAQs: HTML Text Centering

1. How do I center text in HTML?

Use CSS:

text-align: center;

2. Is the <center> tag still used?

No. It is deprecated and should not be used.

3. Can I center text without CSS?

Technically yes (using <center>), but it is not recommended.

4. How do I center text inside a div?

Apply:

div {
  text-align: center;
}

5. What is the best way to center text in HTML?

Using external CSS with reusable classes.