Event.initEvent()

The Event.initEvent() method is used to initialize the value of an event created using Document.createEvent().

Events initialized in this way must have been created with the Document.createEvent() method. This method must be called to set the event before it is dispatched, using EventTarget.dispatchEvent(). Once dispatched, it doesn't do anything anymore.

Do not use this method anymore as it is deprecated.

Instead use specific event constructors, like Event(). The page on Creating and triggering events gives more information about the way to use these.

Syntax

event.initEvent(type, bubbles, cancelable);

type

Is a DOMString defining the type of event.

bubbles

Is a boolean value deciding whether the event should bubble up through the event chain or not. Once set, the read-only property Event.bubbles will give its value.

cancelable

Is a boolean value defining whether the event can be canceled. Once set, the read-only property Event.cancelable will give its value.

Example

// Create the event.
var event = document.createEvent('Event');

// Create a click event that bubbles up and
// cannot be canceled
event.initEvent('click', true, false);

// Listen for the event.
elem.addEventListener('click', function (e) {
  // e.target matches elem
}, false);

elem.dispatchEvent(event);

Specifications

Browser compatibility

See also

• The constructor to use instead of this deprecated method: Event(). More specific constructors can be used too.