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TextArea

The TextArea component captures longer text content with a multi-line, resizable text input area. Use it to collect descriptions, notes, comments, or other extended text input in forms and data entry workflows.

The component provides a multi-line text input area that accommodates longer content. It supports validation and multi-line formatting, making it ideal for capturing detailed information such as order notes, product descriptions, or customer feedback that requires more than single-line input.

Use cases

  • Descriptions: Collect product descriptions or notes in inventory management workflows.
  • Customer comments: Capture customer comments or special instructions.
  • Feedback: Enable feedback collection or issue reporting requiring detailed explanations.
  • Multi-line entry: Support multi-line text entry for addresses or delivery instructions.

Collect longer text content with a multi-line input area. This example shows how to implement a TextArea for capturing descriptions, notes, comments, or extended text that requires more than single-line input, supporting validation and multi-line formatting.

Capture multi-line text input

Capture multi-line text input

import React, {useState} from 'react';
import {
TextArea,
Screen,
ScrollView,
Navigator,
reactExtension,
Text,
} from '@shopify/ui-extensions-react/point-of-sale';

const SmartGridModal = () => {
const [text, setText] = useState('');

return (
<Navigator>
<Screen
name="TextArea"
title="Comment Input Example"
>
<ScrollView>
<TextArea
label="Text"
rows={4}
placeholder="Input your text here"
value={text}
onChange={setText}
/>
<Text>{text}</Text>
</ScrollView>
</Screen>
</Navigator>
);
};

export default reactExtension(
'pos.home.modal.render',
() => <SmartGridModal />,
);

Configure the following properties on the TextArea component.

string
required

The content to use as the field label that describes the text information being requested.

A button configuration object displayed under the text field to provide extra functionality.

boolean

Controls whether the field can be modified. When true, the field is disabled and users cannot edit its value.

string

An error message that indicates a problem to the user. The field is given specific stylistic treatment to communicate issues that must be resolved immediately.

string

The label text displayed under the field that provides guidance or instructions to assist users.

number

The maximum number of characters allowed in the text field.

() => void

A callback function executed when focus is removed from the field.

(value: string) => void

A callback function executed when the user has finished editing the field, receiving the new text value as a parameter. You should update the value property in response to this callback.

() => void

A callback function executed when the field receives focus.

(value: string) => void

A callback function executed immediately when the user makes any change in the field. Use this for real-time feedback, such as clearing validation errors as soon as the user begins making corrections. Don't use this to update the value property—the onChange callback is the appropriate handler for updating the field's value.

string

A short hint that describes the expected value of the field.

boolean

Whether the field needs a value for form submission or validation purposes.

number

The initial number of visible text lines to be displayed. Maximum of 8 lines.

string

The current text value for the field. If omitted, the field will be empty. You should update the value property in response to the onChange callback.

  • Provide helpful guidance with helpText and placeholder: Use helpText for explain content expectations, formatting requirements, or character limits. Use placeholder text to provide examples of the expected content format or structure.
  • Implement character limits appropriately: Set maxLength to prevent excessively long input that might cause display or processing issues. Provide feedback about character limits in the helpText, especially when users are approaching the limit.
  • Use clear and specific labels: Provide descriptive labels that indicate what type of text content is expected, like specific examples rather than generic terms.
  • Handle validation for required fields: The required property adds semantic meaning only. Implement validation logic in your onChange callback to check empty values and display errors.
  • Add action buttons for text operations: Use the action property to provide helpful actions like "Clear," "Use Template," or "Format Text." This enhances usability by providing quick access to common text operations.
  • Differentiate between input and change callbacks: Use onInput for immediate responses that need to happen as the user types, such as clearing validation errors or providing real-time feedback. Use onChange for updating the field's value and performing actions after editing completes (typically on blur). Don't use onInput to update the value property—this can cause performance issues and unexpected behavior.

  • TextArea has a maximum of 8 visible rows—content requiring more vertical space should use scrolling within the text area or alternative layouts with ScrollView components.
  • The component provides multi-line text input but doesn't include rich text formatting capabilities—complex formatting like bold, italic, or lists requires alternative solutions or plain text representations.
  • The required property adds semantic meaning only—it doesn't trigger automatic error display or validation, so you must implement validation logic manually.
  • Action buttons are limited to simple press callbacks—complex action workflows require custom implementation or additional components.
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