Textboxes

A text box, or text field, is a user interface element that enables users to enter and edit a line or block of text. Text boxes are common in forms, applications, and web pages, serving as the primary mechanism for collecting textual input.

There are single-line text boxes for compact input and multi-line text boxes (often called text areas) for longer content such as descriptions. In password fields the input is masked. Some environments offer specialized variants such as email, URL, search, or numeric inputs, which may enforce formatting or validation at the control level.

Key features include association with a label for accessibility, placeholder or hint text, a maximum length, and validation rules. Text boxes may be editable or read-only, enabled or disabled, and can support features like spell checking, auto-complete, and auto-correction.

Behaviorally, text boxes respond to keyboard input and support operations like cut, copy, paste, and undo. They fire events on change or input to enable validation, real-time feedback, or dynamic UI updates.

Accessibility considerations include visible labels, focus indicators, and proper keyboard navigation. Assistive technologies rely on aria-labels or semantic labeling to describe purpose and current content.

Examples of text boxes appear in web technologies as input elements (type='text') and textarea elements; in desktop platforms as components such as TextBox in Windows Forms or WPF, EditText equivalents in mobile OSes, and similar controls in other toolkits.

Design tips emphasize clear labeling, appropriate sizing for expected content, and feedback for validation states to enhance usability and reduce input errors.