Field

Alternatives

Field

Using context, the field component connects the label, description, and message to the input element.

<Field
  label="Field label"
  description="We will never share your information with third parties"
  message="This field is required"
>
  <TextInput />
</Field>

Label

Each text field must be accompanied by a label. Effective form labeling helps users understand what information to enter into a text input.

Using placeholder text in lieu of a label is sometimes employed as a space-saving method. However, this is not recommended because it hides context and presents accessibility issues.

<Field label="Name">
  <TextInput />
</Field>

Label Visibility

There may be occasions where the label is apparent through context to sighted users, so you wish to omit it from the view. We still need a label attached to the input for assistive technology, in these cases you can provide the labelVisible property.

<Field label="Name" labelVisible={false}>
  <TextInput />
</Field>

Description

Description text contains pertinent information that assists the user in completing a field. Description text is always visible and appears underneath the label. Use sentence-style capitalisation, and in most cases, write the text as full sentences with punctuation.

<Field
  label="Email"
  description="We take your privacy seriously. We will never give your email to a third party."
>
  <TextInput />
</Field>

Link inside description text

You can pass a ReactElement as description. This should only be used when you need to put a link or some other interactive element in the description.

You don't need to concern yourself styling the text, it will be handled by the component. Just render your normal text inside a Fragment and use a TextLink component to render the link.

Note: Try not to make the description a complex component, it's supposed to support the user not overwhelm them.

<Field
  label="Obscure field"
  description={
    <React.Fragment>
      This is a really obscure field. Learn more about it{' '}
      <TextLink href="#">here</TextLink>
    </React.Fragment>
  }
>
  <TextInput />
</Field>

Help text

Help text is hidden by default, and revealed in a tooltip invoked by an icon beside the label. Reserve help text for content only relevant during the first interaction a user has with the field. Use sentence-style capitalisation, and in most cases, write the text as full sentences with punctuation.

In most cases description is preferred.

<Field
  label="Tax file number"
  helpText="TFN is an 8 or 9 digit number. If this employee has not provided one, we will set a default TFN. You may be asked to provide an updated TFN later."
>
  <TextInput placeholder="xxxxxxxxxx" />
</Field>

Invalid message

Offer an invalid message to inform the user how their input violates the requirements of the field.

<Field
  label="Invalid field"
  description="Passing an invalid message will automatically flag the the input as invalid"
  invalidMessage="Inform the user how their input violates the requirements of the field"
>
  <TextInput />
</Field>

Reserve message space

Reserve the vertical space that will be taken by an invalid message. You would use this to stop subsequent elements from being pushed down when an invalid message is displayed.

const [valid, setValid] = useState(true);
return (
  <Stack gap="medium">
    <Checkbox onChange={(e) => setValid(e.target.checked)} checked={valid}>
      <Text>Valid</Text>
    </Checkbox>
    <Field
      label="Reserve message space"
      reserveMessageSpace
      invalidMessage={valid ? null : 'Invalid message'}
    >
      <TextInput />
    </Field>
    <Text>Element to show document "reflow" when the message appears</Text>
  </Stack>
);