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If the text in your email field disappears as soon as you type, it is probably placeholder text—not a persistent label. Add a visible <label> associated with the input, and keep the placeholder only as an optional example.
Why does the text disappear when you type?
A placeholder is a short hint displayed inside an empty form control. When the control has a value, the placeholder disappears. That behavior is expected; the problem is relying on placeholder text as the field’s only name or instruction.
MDN advises, “Do not rely on placeholder text, because it disappears as soon as the user starts typing.” MDN also notes that placeholder text has lower default contrast than ordinary field text and is not announced by screen readers by default. It may therefore be easy to miss, and users can lose the only explanation of what the field is for.
How to keep the email label visible
Give the input an id, then set the label’s for attribute to the same value:
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<label for="email">Email</label>
<input id="email" name="email" type="email" autocomplete="email" placeholder="you@example.com">The visible label stays on the page after the user enters an address. The matching for and id also associate the label with the input: selecting the label activates its control, and assistive technology can identify the field using the associated label text.
Keep name="email" if the form submits the value, and use autocomplete="email" when collecting an email address. The placeholder in this example is optional; it offers an example format, not the field’s persistent name.
Should you use a placeholder too?
Either of these approaches can work, provided the field has a persistent label:
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- Label plus placeholder: Add a short example such as
you@example.comwhen it helps clarify the expected format. Keep any important instruction outside the placeholder so it remains available while the user fills in the field.
The W3C’s WCAG Success Criterion 3.3.2 says, “Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input.” W3C WAI’s H44 technique documents using a <label> element to associate text with form controls, including input type="email". H44 is a documented sufficient technique, not the only possible way to meet WCAG requirements; a visual style by itself does not establish conformance.
Can you use a floating label?
Yes. A label can sit above or beside the input, or use a floating treatment. Whichever layout you choose, keep a real label visible and preserve its programmatic association with the input. Do not make the prompt placeholder-only or hide the label just to maintain that appearance.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Using a placeholder as the label: It vanishes when a value is entered and may not be announced by screen readers.
- Adding only a
titleoraria-label: These do not provide sighted users with a visible field label. - Mismatching the association: The label’s
forvalue must match the intended input’s uniqueid. - Putting essential instructions in the placeholder: Keep accepted formats or other information users may need to revisit outside it.
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