Input Types

Use different input types for text, email, numbers, and more.

Syntax<input type="email" name="email">

The <input> element is the most common form control. Its type attribute decides what kind of input it accepts.

Common input types

  • text — single-line text.
  • email — an email address.
  • password — hidden characters.
  • number — numeric input.
  • date — a date picker.

Example

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When to use it

  • A booking form uses type="date" so users get a native date-picker on mobile and desktop browsers.
  • A settings page uses type="color" to let users pick a brand color with the browser color wheel.
  • A profile form uses type="tel" to trigger a numeric keypad on mobile for phone number entry.

More examples

Text email and password inputs

Each type activates browser validation and the right keyboard on mobile (e.g., @ key for email).

Example · html
<input type="text" placeholder="Username">
<input type="email" placeholder="Email address">
<input type="password" placeholder="Password" minlength="8">

Number range and date inputs

Numeric and date input types render native controls appropriate for each data type on all platforms.

Example · html
<label>Age: <input type="number" min="1" max="120" value="25"></label>
<label>Volume: <input type="range" min="0" max="100" value="50"></label>
<label>Birthday: <input type="date"></label>

Search color and file inputs

Specialized types (search, color, file) trigger browser-native pickers and UI patterns for each use case.

Example · html
<input type="search" placeholder="Search..." name="q">
<input type="color" value="#0066cc" name="brand-color">
<input type="file" name="resume" accept=".pdf,.doc">

Discussion

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