Andy Jarrett // Code. Develop. Manage.

Detect IE8 Compatibility Mode

I have recently had a client who complained to me that the site was broken in IE8 even though I had already checked it out. It turns out the issue was M$'s great "Compatibility Mode"

I know my way around CSS well enough but it felt wrong making any changes to keep this IE only mode happy when all other browsers were not complaining. Bing! I had an idea and went to Google and found this document on Defining Document Compatibility.

Turns out I can force the users browser to IE8 mode with the following

Hopefully this will help some other developer with their designing woes.


I’m here, learning and working away. If you liked this content and want to keep me going, consider buying me a coffee.
Your support keeps this site running and the coffee brewing! ☕️