Text box facts for kids

An example of a text box where "Wikipedia" is being typed.

A text box is a special area on a computer screen where you can type words and numbers. It's like a small window or a blank space designed for you to put in information. You see text boxes everywhere online and in computer programs. They help you communicate with the computer and tell it what you want to do.

What is a Text Box?

A text box is a common part of almost any computer program or website. It's a graphic control element that lets users input text. Think of it as a digital notepad where you can write. When you click inside a text box, a blinking line, called a cursor, usually appears. This cursor shows you where your next typed letter will go.

Where Do You See Text Boxes?

You use text boxes all the time, even if you don't call them that! Here are some places you might find them:

• Search bars: When you want to find something on Google or YouTube, you type your question into a text box.
• Login screens: To sign into a game or an app, you type your username and password into separate text boxes.
• Online forms: If you're filling out a form to sign up for something, you'll use text boxes for your name, email, and address.
• Chat apps: When you send a message to a friend, you type your words into a text box.
• Word processors: Programs like Microsoft Word or Google Docs are basically very large text boxes where you write documents.

Typing and Editing

Using a text box is simple. You just click on it, and then you can start typing with your keyboard. If you make a mistake, you can use the "backspace" or "delete" key to fix it. You can also select text by dragging your mouse over it, then copy, cut, or paste it. Some text boxes are small, only allowing one line of text, like for a search query. Others are much larger, letting you type many paragraphs, like when you write an email.

Why Are Text Boxes Important?

Text boxes are super important because they are the main way we give information to computers. Without them, it would be much harder to:

• Search for information online.
• Log into your favorite websites.
• Send messages to friends and family.
• Write school reports or creative stories.

They make computers interactive and easy for people to use. They help the computer understand what you want to do, whether it's finding a video, sending an email, or filling out a form.

See also

• Caja de texto para niños (In Spanish)