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DOM Node insertBefore() Method

Node Object Reference Node Object

Example

Insert an item in a list:

document.getElementById("myList").insertBefore(newItem,existingItem);

Before inserting:

  • Coffee
  • Tea

After inserting:

  • Water
  • Coffee
  • Tea

Try it yourself »

Definition and Usage

The insertBefore() method inserts a node as a child, right before an existing child, which you specify.

Tip: If you want to create a new list item, with text, remember to create the text as a Text node wich you append to the LI element, then insert the LI to the list.

You can also use the insertBefore method to insert/move an existing element.

Example

Move a list item from one list to another:

var node=document.getElementById("myList2").lastChild;
var list=document.getElementById("myList1");
list.insertBefore(node,list.childNodes[0]);

Before inserting:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Water
  • Milk

After insertBefore:

  • Milk
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Water

Try it yourself »

Internet Explorer Firefox Opera Google Chrome Safari

The insertBefore() method is supported in all major browsers.


Syntax

node.insertBefore(newnode,existingnode)

Parameters

Parameter Type Description
newnode Node object Required. The node object you want to insert
existingnode Node object Required. The child node you want to insert the new node before

Return Value

Type Description
Node object The node you inserted

Technical Details

DOM Version Core Level 1


Node Object Reference Node Object

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