> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.optis.me/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.optis.me/product-options/20-option-types/text-input/text-area.md). # Text Area A **Text area** is a multi-line box for longer text. Unlike a [Text box](/product-options/20-option-types/text-input/text-box.md), customers can press **Enter** to start a new line or paragraph, and the box grows as they type.

## When to use a Text area * **Custom orders** - engraving text, name personalization, special requests. * **Gift messages** - a note to include with the order, or delivery instructions. * **Forms** - a short bio, cover letter, or a longer answer on an application. ## How to add a Text area option ### Step 1: Add the option Open **1. Add options**, click **Add option**, tick **Text area** under **Text input** on the **New options** tab, then click **Add options**.

### Step 2: Name it Enter the **Label on product** (e.g., "Note"). Use **Label on cart** if the cart and order should show a different name. Tick any options below based on your needs: * **Required field** if customers must fill it in * **Hide option label** to hide the label.

### Step 3: Save and test Click **Save**, then open the product page on your store to check that the Text area works correctly.

## Option settings Set only what you need - all of the settings below are optional.

* **SKU** - a SKU for this field. Advanced plan and above. See [How does Product Option SKU works?](/product-options/customize-design/how-does-product-option-sku-works.md). ### Default value and placeholder * **Placeholder text** - a faded hint shown inside the field (e.g., "Type your message here"). It disappears once the customer starts typing. Available on every plan.

How the placeholder looks on your storefront:

* **Default value** - text that is already filled in when the customer opens the product page. Available on the **Advanced** plan and above.

Example: pre-fill the "Message" field with "Happy Birthday!" so it appears automatically when customers open the product page.

### Help text Add a short note explaining what to enter. Choose how it's shown: **Tooltip**, **Below the option title**, **Beside the option title**, or **Below the option**.

Example of Help text shown as a Tooltip on the storefront:

### Limit the number of characters Set **Min character** and **Max character** to control how much customers can type. Available on the **Advanced** plan and above.

* **Min character** - if the customer's text is shorter than this, OPTIS shows a message under the field, e.g. **Min character: 5**.

* **Max character** - once the customer reaches this limit, OPTIS stops accepting more input and shows a message under the field, e.g. **Max character: 50**.

* **Character counter (optional)** - turn on **Character count for text box** in **Settings > General Settings > Option type setting > Text input** to also show a running count (e.g. **12/50 characters**) under the field. See [Limit Characters for Text Input](/product-options/faq/limit-characters-for-text-input.md).

### Charge an extra fee (price add-on) Charge more when a customer fills in this field. Available on the **Advanced** plan and above; **Upsell product** needs **Platinum**. * **Extra fee** - adds a fixed amount to the price. See [Manage add-on (additional fee for option)](/product-options/advanced-setup/manage-add-on-additional-fee-for-option.md).

How the price add-on looks on the storefront:

* **Upsell product** - links the fee to a Shopify variant's price and stock. See [How to Use "Upsell product"?](/product-options/advanced-setup/how-to-use-upsell-product-link-stock-and-price-of-shopify-variant-to-option-value.md).

### Show or hide with Visibility (conditional logic) * Show or hide the Text area based on another option - for example, only show a "Message" field when the customer answers "Yes" to "Would you like to leave a message?". * Available on the **Advanced** plan and above. See [How to set up Conditional logics?](/product-options/advanced-setup/how-to-set-up-conditional-logics.md)

### Option width In the **Display** tab, set **Option width** (**25%**, **33%**, **50%**, **67%**, **75%** or **100%**) to control how much horizontal space the Text area takes.

## Related guides * [Text box](/product-options/20-option-types/text-input/text-box.md) * [Manage add-on (additional fee for option)](/product-options/advanced-setup/manage-add-on-additional-fee-for-option.md) * [How to Use "Upsell product"?](/product-options/advanced-setup/how-to-use-upsell-product-link-stock-and-price-of-shopify-variant-to-option-value.md) * [How to set up Conditional logics?](/product-options/advanced-setup/how-to-set-up-conditional-logics.md)