Placeholdertext

Placeholdertext (often written as "placeholder text") is temporary text used to fill space in documents, designs, or software interfaces during development. It allows designers, developers, and stakeholders to evaluate layout, typography, and visual hierarchy without finalized content.

Common uses include print and web mockups, wireframes, form fields, and template previews. In web development the HTML placeholder attribute displays brief hints inside input fields; in visual design, blocks of dummy text stand in for articles or UI copy so that spacing and flow can be assessed.

The most widely recognized filler is "Lorem ipsum," a scrambled excerpt derived from classical Latin writings attributed to Cicero. Lorem ipsum became popular in the 20th century for typesetting and later for digital design because its letter distribution resembles natural language without distracting meaning. Alternative approaches include repeated real words, context-relevant sample text, or randomized strings.

Considerations when using placeholdertext include accessibility and usability. Placeholder text should not replace labels in form fields because it can disappear when users type and may be problematic for screen readers. Designers should avoid using placeholder content that could be offensive, misleading, or culturally insensitive, and should localize examples for target audiences. For realistic testing, content-first workflows and real or representative copy are recommended when available.

Numerous online generators and design tools provide placeholdertext options and customization, aiding rapid prototyping while reminding teams to replace placeholders with final content before release.