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HTML placeholder Attribute


Definition and Usage

The placeholder attribute specifies a short hint that describes the expected value of a input field / textarea.

The short hint is displayed in the field before the user enters a value.


Applies to

The placeholder attribute can be used on the following elements:

Elements Attribute
<input> placeholder
<textarea> placeholder

Examples

Input Example

Two input fields with a placeholder text:

<form action="/action_page.php">
  <label for="phone">Enter a phone number:</label><br><br>
  <input type="tel" id="phone" name="phone" placeholder="123-45-678" pattern="[0-9]{3}-[0-9]{2}-[0-9]{3}"><br><br>
  <small>Format: 123-45-678</small><br><br>
  <input type="submit">
</form> 
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Textarea Example

A text area with a placeholder text:

<textarea placeholder="Describe yourself here..."></textarea>
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Browser Support

The placeholder attribute has the following browser support for each element:

Element
input 10.0 10.0 4.0 5.0 11.0
textarea Yes 10.0 4.0 5.0 11.5