Navigation & Inputs · Inputs & Forms
Placeholder
also known as Placeholder text, Hint text (inside)
Placeholder text is the greyed-out sample or hint shown inside an empty input, such as 'name@example.com'. It disappears as soon as the user starts typing. Because it vanishes, it should suggest format rather than replace a proper label.
Don't confuse it with
A placeholder disappears on input and is inside the field; a label stays visible and names the field, while helper text sits below the field and persists. Using a placeholder as the only label harms usability and accessibility.
In the wild
'Search products...' shown inside an empty search box.