Type text into a text field
What is a text field?
We use the term text field to talk about a box that we type text into. They are used almost everywhere online, including searching for information, logging in to accounts, and filling in forms. Let's look at some examples.
Search text field examples
Google Maps
Google search
Bing search
Windows search
ABC News search
Top Tip: When using a search text field, you can press the Enter or Return key on your keyboard to begin the search. For example, type in what you’re searching for, then
press Enter to start the search.
Logging in text field examples
You'll often encounter text fields when signing into online accounts or apps. Here are some examples of text fields that are used to input text:
Some text fields include a hint, such as grey text, to help you know what information to type into each box. If you see grey text like this in a text field, it will disappear as you start typing.
How do we type into these text fields or text boxes?
- Use your mouse to move the cursor (the arrow on the screen) over a text field.
- Left click once inside the text field and look for the blinking vertical line to know that you can start typing.
- Type in the relevant information.
Top Tip: Sometimes, you may see a text field or text box that already has a flashing line inside it. If you see this, it means you don’t need to click once in the box to start typing – you
can start typing straight away.