Helper text.
Explains how to complete a field before an error occurs.
See it in context
What it is
A short instruction can clarify accepted formats, limits, or consequences. Keeping it near the field helps people enter a suitable value without searching elsewhere.
When to use it
Place relevant instructions next to the field and associate them with its accessible description.
Know the difference
An error message explains an existing problem; helper text offers guidance before or during entry.
Across platforms
Web
Use a native button for an action and an anchor for navigation. Preserve keyboard activation and a visible focus indicator.
iOS · iPadOS · Android
Provide a comfortable touch target, use familiar system symbols when appropriate, and show a clear pressed or selected state.
macOS · Windows · Linux
Keep pointer, keyboard, and focus behavior consistent. Common commands can additionally expose a menu item or keyboard shortcut.
Go to the source
Primary documentation for the pattern and its platform conventions.