Input Attributes

Use placeholder, required, value, and more to control inputs.

Syntax<input type="text" placeholder="Your name" required>

Input elements support several helpful attributes.

  • placeholder — hint text shown when empty.
  • value — a default value.
  • required — the field must be filled before submitting.
  • readonly — the value cannot be changed.
  • disabled — the control is greyed out and ignored.

Example

Try it yourself
Loading editor…
Press Run to see the result.

When to use it

  • A sign-up form uses required on name and email inputs so the browser blocks submission when fields are empty.
  • A password field uses minlength="8" and pattern attributes to enforce complexity rules without JavaScript.
  • A quantity selector uses min="1" max="99" on a number input to limit values to a valid product count.

More examples

Required and placeholder attributes

required triggers built-in validation; placeholder shows hint text; autocomplete helps password managers.

Example · html
<input type="email" name="email"
       placeholder="[email protected]"
       required
       autocomplete="email">

Min max and step on number input

min, max, and step constrain acceptable numeric values and control the increment arrows in the input.

Example · html
<label for="qty">Quantity (1-10)</label>
<input type="number" id="qty" name="qty"
       min="1" max="10" step="1" value="1">

Pattern for custom format validation

pattern accepts a regex; the browser rejects submission and shows title as an error hint if it fails.

Example · html
<label for="phone">Phone (US format)</label>
<input type="tel" id="phone" name="phone"
       pattern="[0-9]{3}-[0-9]{3}-[0-9]{4}"
       placeholder="555-123-4567"
       title="Format: 555-123-4567">

Discussion

  • Be the first to comment on this lesson.
Input Attributes — HTML | SoundsCode