inputmode

Inputmode is a global HTML attribute that provides a hint to devices with on-screen keyboards about the expected type of input for a form control. It aims to improve keyboard layout popups on mobile and touch devices, but it does not enforce input restrictions or change the data type of the element.

Common values include none, text, decimal, numeric, tel, search, email, and url. These hints suggest different keyboard configurations: numeric and decimal for numbers, tel for phone-style keyboards, and email or url for corresponding input formats. The attribute acts as a hint rather than a constraint, and the actual data type should be enforced by the input’s type attribute and validation logic.

Usage is straightforward on input or textarea elements. For example: <input type="text" inputmode="numeric" /> or <textarea inputmode="email"></textarea>. The inputmode value complements the type attribute and does not replace server-side or client-side validation. Some browsers and environments may ignore the hint, especially on devices with physical keyboards or non-mobile platforms.

Support and considerations: inputmode is implemented in major modern browsers and is primarily beneficial for improving user experience on mobile devices. Its effectiveness can vary by platform and keyboard implementation. Developers should not rely on inputmode as a security or validation mechanism; it should be used as a usability aid alongside appropriate input types, validation, and accessible labeling.