# autoHighlight Specifies that the element should initially be in focus. ## Overview Use the `autoHighlight` attribute to denote the element that is initially in focus. Both the containing element and one child element must be set to `true`. Remove the `autoHighlight` attribute from your element to disable initial focus. ### Values for autoHighlight - Boolean: The initial focusable state for an element. Set to `true` to have the element initially be in focus. ### Elements that Use autoHighlight - [alertTemplate](/documentation/TVML/alerttemplate) that contains `button` elements - [catalogTemplate](/documentation/TVML/catalogtemplate) that contains `listItemLockup` elements - [compilationTemplate](/documentation/TVML/compilationtemplate) that contains `listItemLockup` elements - [descriptiveAlertTemplate](/documentation/TVML/descriptivealerttemplate) that contains `button` elements - [grid](/documentation/TVML/grid) that contains `lockup` elements - [listTemplate](/documentation/TVML/listtemplate) that contains `listItemLockup` elements - [paradeTemplate](/documentation/TVML/paradetemplate) that contains `listItemLockup` elements - [row](/documentation/TVML/row) that contains any `focusable` element - [segmentBar](/documentation/TVML/segmentbar) that contains `segmentBarItem` elements. - [shelf](/documentation/TVML/shelf) that contains `lockup` elements - [showcaseTemplate](/documentation/TVML/showcasetemplate) that contains `lockup` elements > Note: The `shelf` and `grid` elements can only use the `autoHighlight` attribute > when contained within a `productBundleTemplate`, `productTemplate`, or `stackTemplate`. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)