helptekst

Helptekst is a form of supplementary text attached to user interface elements or documentation to clarify their purpose, usage, or any constraints that apply. In digital interfaces, helptekst may appear as inline text near a field, in a dedicated help panel, or as a tooltip that appears when a user focuses or hovers over an element. It differs from placeholder text, which sits inside an input field as an example and often disappears once the user starts typing; helptekst remains visible to guide the user.

The primary purpose of helptekst is to reduce confusion, prevent errors, and improve accessibility by providing clear explanations in plain language. It should be concise, actionable, and aligned with the surrounding labels and instructions. Good helptekst supports a broad audience, including new users and those relying on assistive technologies. When creating helptekst, designers aim to avoid duplicating information already conveyed by labels or by error messages, and they strive for consistency across a product.

Design considerations include readability, localization, and accessibility. Helptekst should be easy to scan, not overwhelm the user, and be linked to the relevant control (for example, via accessible attributes for screen readers). Keyboard and mouse users should be able to access it without excessive effort. Tooltips should be brief and not required for completing tasks, while inline help is often more persistent.

Common contexts for helptekst include forms, configuration screens, documentation, and onboarding materials, where it serves as a lightweight guidance resource that supports task completion.