---
title: This
---

The readonly `this` binding applies to every element (and component) and allows you to obtain a reference to rendered elements. For example, we can get a reference to a `<canvas>` element:

```svelte
<canvas bind:this={canvas} width={32} height={32} />
```

Note that the value of `canvas` will be `undefined` until the component has mounted, so we put the logic inside the `onMount` [lifecycle function](/tutorial/onmount).
