Use text input components
Collect short answers and long responses from submitters with the two text input components, Input and Textarea.
Both text components share the same Visibility control (Editable, Visible, or Hidden per workflow step), a Width from 1 to 12 columns, Placeholder Text, optional Hint and Tooltip helper text, a Name used as the CSV export column, and a read-only ID.
Input
The Input component collects a single line of text - names, email addresses, phone numbers, or any short answer. It is the most commonly used form component.
Properties
- Label
- The text displayed above the field. Use a clear, specific label like "First Name" or "Email Address."
- Required
- When enabled, the submitter must fill in this field before submitting.
- Type
- Under Input Settings. Controls validation and the mobile keyboard: Text, Email, or Number.
- Mask (for Text Types only)
- Under Input Settings. Formats what the submitter types as they go. Built-in masks are Phone, Dollars, Dollars (No Cents), Social Security, and Social Security (Last 4), plus Custom for your own pattern. Leave it on None for a plain field.
- Placeholder Text
- Hint text shown inside the field before the submitter types. Found under Details.
Common Examples: For a phone number, set Type to Text and use the Mask Phone. For currency, set Type to "Text" use the Dollars mask. For an email field, set Type to Email so Droplet validates the address and shows the right keyboard on mobile.
Note: Masks are only available when the Input Type is Text.
Textarea
The Textarea component provides a resizable text area for longer responses - comments, descriptions, or any answer that may span multiple lines.
Properties
- Label
- The text displayed above the text area.
- Required
- When enabled, the submitter must provide a response before submitting.
- Number of Lines
- Sets the initial height of the text area. A higher number shows more visible lines. Defaults to 5.
- Max Length
- Limits the total number of characters allowed. Defaults to No Limit.
- Enable Resize
- Lets the submitter drag the field taller. Turn it off to lock the height to the Number of Lines.
- Placeholder Text
- Hint text shown inside the field before the submitter types. Found under Details.
Click below for more information on the Rules section with Show/Hide Field and Add Validation Rule.
Looking for the static Text element (formatted titles, instructions, and body copy)? It is a display element, not an input - see Use layout components.