TextField
A textfield (or text input) is a user interface element that allows users to enter, edit, and review text. Textfields may appear as single-line inputs (e.g., for search, short names, emails) or multi-line fields (e.g., comments, addresses) and usually include labels, placeholders, or helper text to guide the user. They can also show validation messages or error indicators if the input doesn’t meet certain criteria.
Usage
Collect User Data: Textfields let users enter free-form information when predefined options (like a dropdown) aren’t sufficient.
Search & Filtering: A single-line textfield can act as a quick search or filter input.
Real-Time Validation: Text fields can validate user input (e.g., email format, password strength) on the fly or upon submission.
Use cases
Username/Password inputs on a login form
Search Bar at the top of a page
Email Address or Phone Number fields in registration forms
Not to be confused with
Textarea: While textfields and textareas share the concept of user-entered text, a textarea is designed for multiple lines of text (often resizable). Single-line text fields are generally referred to specifically as “text inputs.”
Select: Dropdowns are for selecting from predefined options. A text field accepts free-form text.
Search Bar: A search bar is a specific type of text field with specialized behavior (e.g., an icon, real-time results). Under the hood, it’s still a text field, but styled or placed differently.
Best practices
Label & Helper Text
Provide a visible label or a placeholder that clearly states what information is required (e.g., “Email Address”).
Helper text below the field can clarify expected format or constraints (e.g., “Must contain @ and a domain name”).
Validation & Error Messages
Validate inputs (format, length, required fields) either in real-time or on submission.
Display inline error messages adjacent to the field and highlight it (e.g., red outline), explaining the issue concisely.
Focus & Interaction States
Show a clear focus indicator (e.g., a highlighted border) when the field is selected for typing.
Offer hover or active states if your design system includes them.
Accessibility
Associate each text field with a label (<label> or aria-label) to assist screen readers.
Ensure sufficient color contrast for text, placeholders, and borders.
Provide meaningful error or success messages, announced to screen readers via ARIA (aria-describedby for error messages).
Autocomplete & Input Type
Use relevant HTML attributes like autocomplete (e.g., “email,” “name,” “organization”) to improve user experience on browsers/mobile.
Set the correct input type (type="email", type="password", type="number") for better validation and on-screen keyboard.
Sizing & Layout
Adequate width should accommodate typical input length.
For short text (e.g., postal code), consider narrower fields. For lengthy input (e.g., message), a text area might be better.
Placeholders vs. Labels
A placeholder can hint at the required format, but disappears once typing begins.
Always use an external label if the placeholder text is essential for clarifying the input’s purpose.
Consistent Styling
Maintain uniform border-radius, box-shadow, font, and spacing across all text fields.
Keep icons or adornments (e.g., search icon, clear button) visually aligned to avoid clutter.
Performance & Security
Validate input on the client side for speed but also confirm validation on the server side to avoid security risks.
If the field is for sensitive information (e.g., passwords), use secure handling and encryption on the backend.
Always provide a clear label or placeholder that explains what type of input the field expects (e.g., “Email Address,” “First Name,” “Your Comment…”).
Summary
A textfield is a key interactive component for collecting user inputs in forms, searches, or open-ended tasks. By pairing clear labels and placeholders with responsive validation, well-defined focus states, and strong accessibility support, text fields ensure a comfortable and intuitive data-entry experience. Properly sized and styled text fields that adhere to consistent patterns within your design system help maintain a polished, user-friendly interface across various touchpoints.
