Issue with Two Dropdowns Showing Up

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 2 views

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the concept of datalist in HTML and how it can be used to create a dropdown option list. We will also discuss the issue of two dropdowns showing up at the same time when using datalist in Chrome and Edge browsers.

What is Datalist?

Datalist is a HTML element that provides a list of predefined options that can be used to populate the input field. It is a part of the HTML5 specification and is used to create a dropdown option list. The datalist element is used in conjunction with the input element to provide a list of options that can be selected by the user.

Basic Syntax of Datalist

The basic syntax of datalist is as follows:

<input list="datalist_id" />
<datalist id="datalist_id">
  <option value="option1">Option 1</option>
  <option value="option2">Option 2</option>
  <!-- Add more options as needed -->
</datalist>

In the above code, the input element is used to create a text input field. The list attribute is used to associate the input element with the datalist element. The datalist element is used to create a list of predefined options that can be used to populate the input field.

Issue with Two Dropdowns Showing Up

The issue of two dropdowns showing up at the same time when using datalist in Chrome and Edge browsers is a known issue. This issue is caused by the way the browsers render the datalist element. When the user clicks on the input field, the browser creates a dropdown list of options that are provided by the datalist element. However, in some cases, the browser may create a second dropdown list that is not part of the datalist element.

Why Does This Happen?

This issue occurs because of the way the browsers handle the datalist element. When the user clicks on the input field, the browser creates a dropdown list of options that are provided by the datalist element. However, in some cases, the browser may create a second dropdown list that is not part of the datalist element. This second dropdown list is often referred to as the "native" dropdown list.

How to Fix This Issue

To fix this issue, you can use the following code:

<input list="datalist_id" autocomplete="off" />
<datalist id="datalist_id">
  <option value="option1">Option 1</option>
  <option value="option2">Option 2</option>
  <!-- Add more options as needed -->
</datalist>

In the above code, the autocomplete attribute is set to "off" on the input element. This tells the browser not to create a native dropdown list. By setting the autocomplete attribute to "off", you can prevent the browser from creating a second dropdown list that is not part of the datalist element.

Example Use Case

Here is an example use case of datalist:

<input list="colors" autocomplete="off" />
<datalist id="colors">
  <option value="red">Red</option>
  <option value="green">Green</option>
  <option value="blue">Blue</option>
  <!-- Add more colors as needed -->
</datalist>

In the above code, the input element is used to create a text input field. The list attribute is used to associate the input element with the datalist element. The datalist element is used to create a list of predefined colors that can be used to populate the input field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, datalist is a powerful HTML element that can be used to create a dropdown option list. However, it can also cause issues with two dropdowns showing up at the same time when used in Chrome and Edge browsers. By setting the autocomplete attribute to "off" on the input element, you can prevent the browser from creating a second dropdown list that is not part of the datalist element.

Common Issues with Datalist

Here are some common issues that you may encounter when using datalist:

Two dropdowns showing up at the same time: This issue occurs when the browser creates a second dropdown list that is not part of the datalist element.
Datalist not working in older browsers: Datalist is a part of the HTML5 specification and may not work in older browsers.
Datalist not working in certain browsers: Datalist may not work in certain browsers, such as Internet Explorer.

Troubleshooting Datalist Issues

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot datalist issues:

Check the browser version: Make sure that the browser version is up to date.
Check the HTML code: Make sure that the HTML code is correct and that the datalist element is properly associated with the input element.
Check the autocomplete attribute: Make sure that the autocomplete attribute is set to "off" on the input element.
Check the browser settings: Make sure that the browser settings are set to allow datalist to work properly.

Best Practices for Using Datalist

Here are some best practices for using datalist:

Use the datalist element correctly: Make sure that the datalist element is properly associated with the input element.
Use the autocomplete attribute correctly: Make sure that the autocomplete attribute is set to "off" on the input element.
Test the datalist element in different browsers: Make sure that the datalist element works properly in different browsers.
Use the datalist element in conjunction with other HTML elements: Make sure that the datalist element is used in conjunction with other HTML elements, such as the input element.
Datalist Q&A ================

Q: What is datalist in HTML?

A: Datalist is a HTML element that provides a list of predefined options that can be used to populate the input field. It is a part of the HTML5 specification and is used to create a dropdown option list.

Q: How do I use datalist in my HTML code?

A: To use datalist in your HTML code, you need to add the datalist element and associate it with the input element using the list attribute. Here is an example:

<input list="datalist_id" />
<datalist id="datalist_id">
  <option value="option1">Option 1</option>
  <option value="option2">Option 2</option>
  <!-- Add more options as needed -->
</datalist>

Q: What is the difference between datalist and select?

A: Datalist and select are both used to create dropdown option lists, but they have some differences. Datalist is used to create a list of predefined options that can be used to populate the input field, while select is used to create a dropdown list that can be used to select one or more options.

Q: Can I use datalist in older browsers?

A: No, datalist is a part of the HTML5 specification and may not work in older browsers. However, you can use polyfills or fallbacks to make it work in older browsers.

Q: Can I use datalist in conjunction with other HTML elements?

A: Yes, you can use datalist in conjunction with other HTML elements, such as the input element. However, make sure that the datalist element is properly associated with the input element using the list attribute.

Q: How do I style datalist?

A: You can style datalist using CSS. You can use the datalist element's pseudo-elements to style the list of options.

Q: Can I use datalist with JavaScript?

A: Yes, you can use datalist with JavaScript. You can use JavaScript to populate the datalist element with options or to manipulate the list of options.

Q: How do I troubleshoot datalist issues?

A: To troubleshoot datalist issues, you can check the browser version, the HTML code, the autocomplete attribute, and the browser settings. You can also use the browser's developer tools to inspect the datalist element and its options.

Q: What are some common issues with datalist?

A: Some common issues with datalist include:

Two dropdowns showing up at the same time
Datalist not working in older browsers
Datalist not working in certain browsers
Datalist not working with JavaScript

Q: How do I fix the issue of two dropdowns showing up at the same time?

A: To fix the issue of two dropdowns showing up at the same time, you can set the autocomplete attribute to "off" on the input element. This will prevent the browser from creating a second dropdown list that is not part of the datalist element.

Q: Can I use datalist with other form elements?

A: Yes, you can use datalist with other form elements, such as the input element, the select element, and the textarea element. However, make sure that the datalist element is properly associated with the form element using the list attribute.

Q: How do I optimize datalist for performance?

A: To optimize datalist for performance, you can use the following techniques:

Use a small list of options
Use a list of options that are already loaded in the browser's cache
Use a list of options that are generated dynamically using JavaScript
Use a list of options that are stored in a database or a file

Q: Can I use datalist with accessibility features?

A: Yes, you can use datalist with accessibility features, such as ARIA attributes and screen reader support. However, make sure that the datalist element is properly associated with the form element using the list attribute and that the list of options is properly labeled and described.