Designpedia
All terms
Navigation & Inputs · Inputs & Forms

Helper Text

also known as Hint text, Assistive text, Supporting text

Helper text is the persistent supporting message shown beneath an input that clarifies requirements, format, or constraints, such as 'Must be at least 8 characters'. It stays visible while the user types. When an error occurs it is often replaced by a validation message.

Don't confuse it with
Helper text sits below the field and persists as guidance; a placeholder sits inside and disappears. Inline validation is the error or success message that appears after input is checked, whereas helper text is proactive guidance.
In the wild
'We'll never share your email' under an email field.
Tags
Sources