> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.powerfulform.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.powerfulform.com/field-types/text-fields/text.md). # Text Add a single-line text box for short answers that don't have a format of their own — an order number, a company name, or the name a customer wants engraved on a gift. ## 🔧 How to Set It In the form editor, click **Add element**, open the **Text** category and pick **Text**. The field is added and its settings open on the left.

{% hint style="info" %} See [Add and arrange elements](/build-your-form/add-and-arrange-elements.md) for the other ways to add a field and how to reorder them. {% endhint %} ## 🔧 Settings Only the settings specific to this field are listed here. **Label**, **Placeholder**, **Description**, **Required**, **Hide label**, **Column width**, **Conditional display** and the rest of the shared settings work the same on every field.

### Enter numbers only Restricts what the visitor can type to digits. Off by default. > **⚠️ Note:** This only restricts what can be typed — the answer is still stored as text, not a real number. Need min/max value checking on a genuine number? Use [**Number**](https://globosoftware.gitbook.io/globosoftware-docs/field-types/number-fields) instead. ### Limit characters Turns on **Min characters** and **Max characters**. Off by default. Example**:** A gift-engraving form sets **Max characters** to `20` to fit the item, and an order-reference form turns on **Enter numbers only** so the field only accepts digits. > **📌 Note:** Leave **Max characters** blank instead of typing `0` — setting it to `0` is treated as a real limit and blocks all typing. ## 🔄 How It Works **What the visitor sees:** A one-line box with your label above, placeholder inside while empty, and description beside it. Leaving a required field empty blocks submission, with your error message shown underneath. **What's saved:** The text is stored exactly as typed. It shows up in **Submissions**, your admin and autoresponder emails, exports, and any connected integration. ## ⚠️ Limits & Notes


Line breaks	Not supported — the answer always stays on one line
Character limit	None by default — a visitor can type as much as they want, unless you turn on Limit characters
"Numbers only"	Restricts typing, but doesn't make it a real number — use Number for actual numeric validation

> **📌 Note:** Need a longer reply with paragraphs or line breaks? Use [**Textarea**](https://globosoftware.gitbook.io/globosoftware-docs/field-types/text-fields/textarea) instead — Text can't display or save line breaks under any setting. ## 🔁 Compare

Use	When
Text	A short, one-line answer
Textarea	A longer reply that needs line breaks
Number	A genuinely numeric answer with min/max value checks
Name	Specifically a person's name — letters only

## Next steps * [Textarea](/field-types/text-fields/textarea.md) — the multi-line version for longer answers. * [Number](/field-types/number-fields/number.md) — for answers that are genuinely numeric. * [Show or hide fields with conditional logic](/build-your-form/conditional-logic.md) — ask this question only when it applies.