Input field and description

A description provides extra information about how to fill out a form field.

In this section you will find information about how to connect one or more descriptions to form fields and fieldsets. You will also learn best practices for the content, length and location of descriptions. Check the description decision tree to decide when and how to use descriptions in forms.

Pages in: Input and description

Connect the description For screen reader users, it's important that the description is announced along with the form field.
Description has text only aria-describedby must only contain text and no additional structure or interactive functionality.
Description location Place descriptions in a consistent location, preferably between the label and the text form field.
Description decision tree Decide how add longer or more complex information with a from field.

Back to: Web forms

First published: October 10, 2025
Last updated: February 16, 2026
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