Labels describe what sort of content the user should provide in the input field. Labels should be short and concise--2 or 3 words max in most cases. Do not truncate or allow labels to spill into multiple lines. Every input should include a label. Labels should not be truncated and they should use title case.¹

Placeholder input text can provide instructions, examples, or additional information about what sort of content they can enter in the field. For example, the expected or accepted format, or what sort of keywords can be searched for.

This should not be used as a replacement for a label. Don’t include essential information like formatting requirements in the placeholder. These details should go in the help text below the input or in the label so that it’s always on screen and available for the user. It is often better to include instructions, examples, or additional information as help text rather than as placeholders.