Text area

A text area is a field that lets users enter several lines of text.

TBC
When to use

Use a text area:

  • when users need space to add several lines of text (for example, when leaving a comment or adding a description)
  • when there’s a character limit that you want users to be aware of

Don't use a text area:

  • if you need the user to enter a single line of text (use the text input instead)

Best practice
  • Use the character limitation counter in the information message if there's a character limit.
  • If the field is optional, make sure to include the optional indication.
  • Only use the information message if you have evidence that users need more context.

Content

Label

Label copy should:

  • be no more than 3 words

  • be a noun that describes the information the user needs to enter (and not a verb)

Information message (optional)

Information message copy should:

  • be a single sentence

  • give some extra context to help the user enter the right information

A text area with a short and succinct information message.
A text area with multiple sentences as the information message.

Placeholders

Placeholders are not supported in most of our components, since (according to our research):

  • people may confuse the content with real values

  • lack of contrast make them usually difficult to read

  • they are often used with dummy values, so aren’t helpful to our users

Information messages offer a good alternative when you need to provide help on how to fill an input.

Availability

Platform

Available

Developer documentation

Android

iOS

Web