Form label
Also known as: Input label
A form label is the visible text tied to an input field that tells everyone — including screen readers — what to type there.
In plain terms
Each field needs a real <label> connected to it, not just placeholder text. Placeholders disappear the moment you start typing and are often too low-contrast to read, so they don't count as labels. A proper label also grows the clickable area, which helps people with motor difficulties.
Why it matters
Unlabelled fields are one of the most common and damaging failures — a screen-reader user hears "edit text" with no idea what it's for. Labels are required by WCAG 3.3.2.
A search box with only a placeholder "Search…" should still have a real label (visible or visually hidden) so it's announced as "Search".
Related terms
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