Number input
Usage
Overview
The number input enables users to enter or select numeric values within a predetermined range. It includes controls to incrementally increase or decrease the value. Users can also type numeric values directly into the input field.
When to use
To input a numeric value and incrementally increase or decrease the value.
When not to use
When the precise value doesn't matter to the user, but rather only the approximate range. Consider using the slider component instead.
Formatting
Anatomy

- Label: describes the purpose of an input field.
- Helper text (optional): Provides extra context, hints, or helpful information to aid the user. Often used to explain specific requirements for correctly filling out a field.
- Numeric value: changes when the user enters a value into the field or uses the two arrows at the end of the input to add and subtract values.
- Number input field: the container, consisting of a fill and a stroke, in which the user enters data.
Content
General writing guidelines
- Use sentence case for all aspects of designing Guidewire product interfaces. Don't use title case.
- Use present tense verbs and active voice in most situations.
- Use common contractions to lend your copy a more natural and informal tone.
- Use plain language. Avoid unnecessary jargon and complex language.
- Keep words and sentences short.
Include a label
Place a clear, visible label outside the number input field. An input field without a label is ambiguous and not accessible.


Use help text
Use help text to provide guidance about what to input and how. Here are some examples of what you might include in help text:
- Context to aid the user, such as how the information will be used
- Hints for what kind of information goes inside the input field
- Formatting examples or requirements
Only use help text for pertinent information. Avoid using help text that simply restates the same information that appears in the label.
Use sentence case for help text. Write the help text as 1-2 short, complete sentences that end with a period. When showing formatting examples, you don't need to end with a period.


Don't use placeholder text
Don't put placeholder text in the number entry field. Placeholder text strains users' short-term memory because it disappears once a value is entered. It also poses additional burdens for users with visual and cognitive impairments.
Instead, place hints and instructions, including formatting examples and requirements, outside of the field.
Source: Nielsen Norman Group


Use error text to guide users
Error message text tells a user how to fix the error. In the case of the number input field, errors are often related to something that must be fixed for in-line validation. For example, if the user doesn't fill out a required field that asks for their estimated annual mileage, you can use error text to guide them to a solution: “Enter your estimated annual mileage.”
Use sentence case for error text. Write 1-2 short, complete sentences that end with a period.


Mark required fields
Use an asterisk (*) to indicate required fields. The asterisk precedes the field label. This helps users to easily locate which fields are required by scanning just the left-most character of the label.
In addition to marking required fields with an asterisk, it is recommended to include clear instructions at the top of the form, such as "All fields marked with an asterisk are mandatory," to ensure users understand the meaning of the asterisk.


Use sentence case
Field labels appear in sentence case.
Refer to the UI text style guide for more information on how to implement sentence case.


Behaviors
States
The number input field appears with no value (default), placeholder text, or a filled input.
| Visual | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| No value (default) | Indicates to the user that no value has been entered and there is no placeholder. | |
| Placeholder | Indicates to the user that no value has been entered. The placeholder is grayed out. | |
| Filled input | Indicates to the user that the input is filled with data. |
Number input fields also have interactive states for enabled, focus, disabled, error, read-only, and display-only.

| State | Description |
|---|---|
| Enabled | Indicates to the user that the element is enabled for interaction. |
| Focus | Indicates to the user which UI element in the system is focused. |
| Disabled | Indicates to the user that the input value can't be changed because of local factors. For example, a checkbox above the input field must be checked to access this input field. The user can take action to enable it by interacting with the page. |
| Error | Indicates that the user has made a validation error. Error text provides corrective feedback to users. |
| Read-only | Indicates to the user that the input value can't be changed because of outside factors. For example, lack of write access. The user can take action to enable it by, for example, contacting an administrator. |
| Display-only | The display-only state is used for two cases:
|
Interactions
Mouse
Users can activate a number input by clicking in the area inside border. When focused, two arrows appear at the end of the input. These controls enable users to incrementally increase or decrease the value.
Keyboard
The input element is keyboard accessible. Users can navigate into and out of the component using the TAB key.
Screenreader
The number input component derives its accessible name through an aria-label attribute. Changing the text value of the label element also changes the value of the accessible name. The default aria-required='true' attribute toggles to 'false' when the required checkbox is checked in Storybook.
Accessibility
The contrast ratio of textual elements against their background is above 4.5:1 as per WCAG 2.1 AA requirements. Non-textual content that needs to convey meaning (such as icons and keyboard focus visibility) has a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 with its adjacent colors. All content is visible and functional up to and including 400% without requiring scrolling in two dimensions.
This component has been validated to meet the WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility guidelines. However, changes made by the content author can affect accessibility conformance.
When using this component within your application, ensure that labels and instructions are meaningful and concise. Provide supplemental instructions if necessary.