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Fix guides / Form fields without labels

Form fields without labels

WCAG 1.3.1 / 4.1.2

Every input, dropdown, and text area needs a label that's tied to it in the code. Placeholder text ("Your email") is not a label: it disappears as soon as someone starts typing, and many screen readers don't read it reliably.

Common places this shows up: newsletter signup boxes in the footer, search boxes, contact forms, and quantity pickers on product pages.

A visible label is best. If the design really can't show one, the field still needs a hidden label that screen readers can read.

Step-by-step guides

  • Shopify
  • WordPress
  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • Webflow

Sources

  • W3C tutorial: labeling form controls(opens in a new tab)

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