# Placeholders

> Placeholders offer a hint or example of the expected input, but they disappear once a user starts typing. They should never replace a label as users lose that guidance the moment they need it most.

#

Use placeholder text in search fields. See [Search and filter](../menu-functions-and-ui-labels/search-and-filter.md).

![UI example showing a search field with the placeholder text Search assets….](https://www.figma.com/design/wEptRgAezDU1z80Cn3eZ0o/iX-Documentation-illustrations?node-id=8392-12417&t=EjTZKAJDhIkv5ICF-4)

  
    
      Placeholder text: Search assets…
    
  

Use placeholder text within text area / input fields to provide short examples and obvious hints.

  
    
      Form field label: Asset name
      Placeholder text: Enter asset name, e.g. pump-A-097
    
  

Provide helpful or precise format examples as placeholder texts when localization, helper texts or tooltips are not possible or available. See [Helper / info text](../forms-and-form-fields/helper-info-text.md).

![UI example showing field label Date with the placeholder text YYYY/MM/DD.](https://www.figma.com/design/wEptRgAezDU1z80Cn3eZ0o/iX-Documentation-illustrations?node-id=8406-2032&t=EjTZKAJDhIkv5ICF-4)

  
    
      YYYY/MM/DD
      +1 (555) 123-4567
      {'name@company.com'}
      123-45-6789
      14:00 (24-hour clock)
      EQ-2024-00123
    
  
  
    
      Date
      Phone number
      Email
      ID number
      Time
      Equipment ID
    
  

Add helpful examples within text areas for comments or notes. See [Textarea (component)](../../../components/textarea/guide.md).

![UI example showing field label Comments with the placeholder text Share any details that might help, e.g. "The issue occurs when…".](https://www.figma.com/design/wEptRgAezDU1z80Cn3eZ0o/iX-Documentation-illustrations?node-id=8406-1752&t=EjTZKAJDhIkv5ICF-4)

  
    
      Field label: Comments
      Placeholder text: Share any details that might help, e.g. "The issue occurs when…"
    
  
  
    
      Field label: Comments
      Placeholder text: Write your comments here…
    
  

Never use placeholder texts instead of field labels as they are not reliably accessible and disappear on input.

  
    
      Field label: (empty)
      Placeholder text: Enter phone number
      Field label: (empty)
      Placeholder text: Enter email address
    
  

Never add critical information or instructions as placeholder text.

  
    
      Field label: Password*
      Placeholder text: Minimum 8 characters with at least one number.
      Field label: Upload certificate*
      Placeholder text: PDF only. Max 5MB. Must be valid for at least 90 days.
    
  

## Dos and Don'ts

  
    
      Do add extra, useful information for users in placeholders if helper text is not possible
      Do always have a label alongside placeholder text
    
  
  
    
      Don't ever use placeholder text as form field or text area labels
      Don't repeat exact label text and placeholder text
    
  

## Related

- [Addresses (Formatting)](../formatting/addresses.mdx)
- [Accessibility](../../accessibility/overview.md)
- [Logging in and out](../menu-functions-and-ui-labels/logging-in-and-out.md)