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.
Practical Application
Use placeholder text only for a short optional example or format hint after the field already has a persistent label and any essential instruction is available elsewhere.
Purpose
A concise example can clarify expected input without forcing users to infer the format from an abstract instruction alone.
Reader Check
If the placeholder disappeared as soon as the user typed, would the field still be identifiable and would all required instructions remain available?
Worked Example
Example: Keep the visible label “Order number” and use the placeholder “e.g., 104582” only as an optional example, not as the field’s sole label.
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.