This is an experimental technology
Because this technology's specification has not stabilized, check the compatibility table for usage in various browsers. Also note that the syntax and behavior of an experimental technology is subject to change in future versions of browsers as the specification changes.
Summary
The ::placeholder CSS pseudo-element represents the placeholder text of a form element. This allows web developers and theme designers to customize the appearance of placeholder text.
Only the subset of CSS properties that apply to the ::first-line pseudo-element can be used in a rule using ::placeholder in its selector.
Specifications
| Specification | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| CSS Pseudo-Elements Level 4 The definition of '::placeholder' in that specification. |
Working Draft | Initial definition |
Browser compatibility
| Feature | Chrome | Firefox (Gecko) | Edge | Internet Explorer | Opera | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | 57 | 51.0 (51.0)[1] | No support | No support | 44 | 10.1 |
| Partial support with prefix | Supported | Supported | Supported | 10 -ms- | Supported | 5 -webkit- |
| Feature | Android | Chrome for Android | Firefox Mobile (Gecko) | IE Mobile | Opera Mobile | Safari Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | 57 | 57 | 52.0 (52.0) | No support | 10.3 | |
| Partial support with prefix | 2.1 -webkit- | Supported | Supported | 10 -ms- | 37 -webkit- | 4.3 -webkit- |
[1] Before Gecko 51.0 (Firefox 51.0 / Thunderbird 51.0 / SeaMonkey 2.48) Gecko implemented this as the prefixed ::-moz-placeholder pseudo-element.
See also
:placeholder-shown- The non-standard equivalents of this pseudo-element:
- Forms in HTML
<input><textarea>