TextArea Input

A multi-line text input component that provides resizable text entry areas for longer content such as comments, descriptions, and messages.

Basic TextArea Input

Creates a standard textarea field with a name and placeholder.

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Options
The TextArea component supports various configuration options.
  • rows: Number of visible text rows (inherited from HTML textarea)
  • cols: Number of visible text columns (inherited from HTML textarea)
  • value: Initial textarea content
  • placeholder: Placeholder text displayed when the textarea is empty
  • readonly: Sets the textarea to read-only state (inherited from Input)
  • disabled: Sets the textarea to disabled state (inherited from Input)
  • required: Sets the textarea as required (inherited from Input)
  • maxlength: Maximum character limit (inherited from HTML textarea)
  • minlength: Minimum required character count (inherited from HTML textarea)
TextArea Examples
Here are examples of different ways to use the textarea component.

TextArea with Row Count

Creates a textarea with a specific number of visible rows.

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TextArea with Character Limit

Creates a textarea with a maximum character count.

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TextArea with Label and Hint

Creates a textarea with a label and hint text.

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TextArea with Custom Styling

Creates a textarea with custom Bootstrap styling and classes.

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API
The textarea component extends from the Input class so it has all its methods available.

Common alternative names: Multi-line Input, Text Box, Comment Box, Message Box, Text Field (multi-line), Text Editor (basic), Input Area

Types: Basic TextArea, Fixed-size TextArea, Auto-expanding TextArea, Character-limited TextArea, Rich TextArea, Monospace TextArea

Principles

Flexibility

TextArea components accommodate variable-length content, allowing users to express themselves fully without arbitrary constraints. They're spacious enough for complex thoughts while maintaining a compact default footprint.

Usability

TextAreas provide clear visual affordances for multi-line entry, with built-in resizing capabilities that let users adjust the input space to their needs. This enhances the user experience for longer content entry.

Content Focus

By providing a dedicated space for longer text input, TextAreas emphasize the importance of detailed information in the form. They visually distinguish longer-form content from simple single-line inputs.

Anatomy

TextArea Anatomy
  1. Container

    2. Outer wrapper div that holds all elements

  2. Label

    3. Optional text label describing the textarea's purpose

  3. TextArea Element

    4. The actual multi-line input field

  4. Resize Handle

    5. Browser-provided corner handle for resizing

  5. Scrollbars

    6. Appear when content exceeds visible area

  6. Hint

    7. Optional helper text providing guidance

  7. Character Counter

    8. Optional display of remaining characters (when implemented)

Usage

Use TextArea inputs for:

  • Comments and feedback
  • Product descriptions
  • Personal bios and profiles
  • Messages and communications
  • Notes and observations
  • Address details
  • Any content that might span multiple lines or paragraphs

Best Practices

  1. Set appropriate default dimensions based on expected content length
  2. Provide clear placeholders or examples of expected input
  3. Consider implementing auto-resize functionality for better user experience
  4. Use character counters for TextAreas with length restrictions
  5. Ensure the TextArea is large enough to show multiple lines by default
  6. Consider line wrapping behavior and how it affects the user's writing experience
  7. Maintain consistent styling with other form elements

Common Patterns

Form Integration
  • Contact forms
  • Feedback mechanisms
  • Comment systems
  • Profile editors
  • Content management systems
  • Survey free-text responses
Content Entry
  • Long-form text
  • Structured information
  • Multi-paragraph content
  • Preformatted text
  • Code snippets
  • Lists and outlines
User Interface
  • Expandable input areas
  • Fixed-position textareas
  • Inline editing areas
  • Modal dialog text entry
  • Annotation systems
  • Commenting interfaces

Accessibility

  1. Use proper ARIA attributes (aria-label, aria-required, aria-invalid)
  2. Ensure keyboard navigation functions properly
  3. Provide clear labels that describe the textarea's purpose
  4. Ensure error messages are programmatically associated with the textarea
  5. Maintain focus management for screen readers
  6. Consider how the resize handle interacts with assistive technologies
  7. Provide visible focus states for keyboard navigation