HTML frames are a very controversial subject. So controversial, in fact, that they were made obsolete in HTML5. So if you want to use HTML frames, you need to stick with HTML 4.01—using the frameset doctype. But before you dismiss HTML frames out of hand, you should realize that there are definite benefits to using them.
Pros of Using HTML Frames
- Frames allow you to keep pertinent information on the screen at all times.
If you have information about your page like a copyright or navigation that you want to be present at all times, you can use HTML frames to put that content in a frame. Then if readers scroll in the main content frame, the information frame stays static. (Note: you can also do this with other technology including SSI, CSS, and scripting). - Frames let you put your navigation on every page of a site without editing every page.
If the navigation is in a separate frame, then when you change it, it will change for every page that uses that frameset. (Note: you can also do this with SSI and scripting). - Frames create an advertisment that is always present.
By putting your advertisement in a frame at the top of the page, you ensure that that ad is visible even when the reader scrolls the main content. - Frames allow you to "brand" your site.
You can also put your logo and site name in a separate frame to keep that information front and center. - Frames hide the URLs.
It's not extremely secure, but if you want your readers to not know the URL of your pages automatically, frames can hide it. Plus, when people bookmark your pages, the URL is the main page, rather than a deep link, which some sites prefer.
Next page: Drawbacks to HTML Frames
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