dataTransfer Object

Provides access to predefined clipboard formats for use in drag-and-drop operations.

Remarks

The dataTransfer object makes it possible to customize the handling of drag-and-drop operations. It is available through the event object.

The dataTransfer object is used in source and target events. Typically, the setData method is used with source events to provide information about the data being transferred. In contrast, the getData method is used with target events to stipulate which data and data formats to retrieve.

This object is available in script as of Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.

Members

dataTransfer Members

Example

This example uses the setData and getData methods of the dataTransfer object to perform a drag-and-drop operation.

Sample Code

<HEAD>
<SCRIPT>
var sAnchorURL;

function InitiateDrag() 
/*  The setData parameters tell the source object
    to transfer data as a URL and provide the path.  */
{   
    event.dataTransfer.setData("URL", oSource.href);
}

function FinishDrag()
/*  The parameter passed to getData tells the target
    object what data format to expect.  */
{
    sAnchorURL = event.dataTransfer.getData("URL")
    oTarget.innerText = sAnchorURL;
}
</SCRIPT>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<A ID=oSource HREF="about:Example_Complete" onclick="return(false)"
   ondragstart="InitiateDrag()">Test Anchor</A>
<SPAN ID=oTarget ondragenter="FinishDrag()">Drop the Link Here</SPAN>
</BODY>

This feature requires Internet Explorer 5 or later. Click the icon below to install the latest version. Then reload this page to view the sample.

Applies To

[ Object Name ]

Platform Version

Win16:

Win32:

Mac:

Unix:

WinCE:

Version data is listed when the mouse hovers over a link, or the link has focus.

event