Placeholder

Regardless of the type of text input, placeholder text can give users valuable insight or an example of information they're expected to enter. The placeholder text automatically disappears when the user starts entering their own content.

On complex and rarely used forms, disappearing placeholders are likely to strain users' short-term memory. If they get distracted, switch a tab, and then return to a form, they may not remember the hint. They'd need to remove what they've typed and click away from the input to see the placeholder text again.

To prevent such frustration, always use placeholders in combination with labels that provide an insight into what type of information users are expected to enter.