HTML placeholder Attribute

Last Updated : 11 Jul, 2025

HTML placeholder attribute specifies a short hint that describes the expected value of an input field/text area. The short hint is displayed in the field before the user enters a value.

Syntax:

<element placeholder="">

HTML placeholder Attribute Examples

Example 1: HTML <input> placeholder attribute specifies a short hint or example text displayed in an input field before the user enters a value. It helps users understand the expected input format or content.

HTML

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>
    <h3>
        HTML placeholder Attribute Example
    </h3>
    <!-- HTML placeholder attribute used in input tag -->
    <form action=" ">
        <label for="First Name">Enter your first name:</label>
        <input type="text" name="fname" placeholder="First name">
        <br>
        <br>
        <label for="First Name">Enter your last name:</label>
        <input type="text" name="lname" placeholder="Last name">
        <br>
        <br>
        <input type="submit" value="Submit">
    </form>
</body>

</html>

Output: In this example, we demonstrate placeholder attributes in input elements. Two text input fields for first and last names. Placeholder text guides user input, improving form usability.

Example 2: HTML <textarea> placeholder attribute is used to specify the expected value to be displayed before user input in textarea element.

HTML

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>

<body>
    <h3>
        HTML placeholder Attribute Example
    </h3>
    <!-- HTML placeholder attribute used in textarea tag -->
    <textarea rows="4" cols="50" 
              placeholder="Describe yourself here...">
    </textarea>
</body>

</html>

Output: In this example we demonstrates placeholder attribute in textarea elements. We have a text area with in which user can write their introduction