Writing Accessible Placeholder Examples
Writing Accessible Placeholder Examples records a distinct W3C-supported accessibility writing task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.
Use placeholder text for a short optional example or hint, not as the only label or the only place essential instructions appear.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Do not put essential instructions or the field label only in placeholder text because it may disappear and can be difficult to review.
Further guidance
Content
Use placeholder wording for a brief example or hint, such as the expected shape of an entry, and make the example immediately understandable.
Purpose
A concise example can clarify expected input without forcing users to infer the format from an abstract instruction alone.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Form Instructions — W3C WAI (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C WAI guidance to provide form instructions including requirements, formats and timing limitations.