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Form elements - Hint text

Use hint text to help users understand a question.

Open this checkboxes hint text example in a new tab 
<div class="nhsuk-form-group">

  <fieldset class="nhsuk-fieldset" aria-describedby="contact-hint">
    <legend class="nhsuk-fieldset__legend nhsuk-fieldset__legend--l">
      <h1 class="nhsuk-fieldset__heading">
        How would you like to be contacted?
      </h1>
    </legend>
    <div class="nhsuk-hint" id="contact-hint">
      Select all options that are relevant to you
    </div>
    <div class="nhsuk-checkboxes">

      <div class="nhsuk-checkboxes__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-checkboxes__input" id="contact" name="contact" type="checkbox" value="email">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-checkboxes__label" for="contact">
          Email
        </label>
      </div>

      <div class="nhsuk-checkboxes__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-checkboxes__input" id="contact-2" name="contact" type="checkbox" value="phone">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-checkboxes__label" for="contact-2">
          Phone
        </label>
      </div>

      <div class="nhsuk-checkboxes__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-checkboxes__input" id="contact-3" name="contact" type="checkbox" value="text message">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-checkboxes__label" for="contact-3">
          Text message
        </label>
      </div>
    </div>
  </fieldset>
</div>
Nunjucks macro options

Use options to customise the appearance, content and behaviour of a component when using a macro, for example, changing the text.

Some options are required for the macro to work; these are marked as "Required" in the option description.

If you're using Nunjucks macros in production with "html" options, or ones ending with "html", you must sanitise the HTML to protect against cross-site scripting exploits.

Nunjucks arguments for checkboxes hint text
Name Type Required Description
text string true If html is set, this is not required. Text to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
html string true If text is set, this is not required. HTML to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
id string false Id attribute to add to the hint.
classes string false Classes to add to the hint.
attributes object false HTML attributes (for example data attributes) to add to the hint. 
{% from 'checkboxes/macro.njk' import checkboxes %}

{{ checkboxes({
  idPrefix: "contact",
  name: "contact",
  fieldset: {
    legend: {
      text: "How would you like to be contacted?",
      classes: "nhsuk-fieldset__legend--l",
      isPageHeading: true
    }
  },
  hint: {
    text: "Select all options that are relevant to you"
  },
  items: [
    {
      value: "email",
      text: "Email",
      id: "contact"
    },
    {
      value: "phone",
      text: "Phone"
    },
    {
      value: "text message",
      text: "Text message"
    }
  ]
}) }}

How to use hint text

Use hint text to show information that helps the majority of users answer the question. Use it to give users help in context.

Keep each hint to a single short phrase or sentence, without full stops.

If you need to give a long, detailed explanation, do not use hint text. Screen readers will read out the entire text when users interact with the form element. This could frustrate users if the text is long.

Do not use links in hint text. While screen readers will read out the link text, they usually do not tell users the text is a link.

Do not use other interactive elements such as the details component in hint text. When screen reader users are in "form mode", they are unable to interact with the link in the component.

Text input with hint text

Open this input hint text example in a new tab 
<div class="nhsuk-form-group">
  <label class="nhsuk-label" for="example-with-hint-text">
    What is your NHS number?
  </label>
  <div class="nhsuk-hint" id="example-with-hint-text-hint">
    Your NHS number is a 10 digit number that you find on any letter the NHS has sent you, for example, 485 777 3456
  </div> <input class="nhsuk-input nhsuk-input--width-10" id="example-with-hint-text" name="example-with-hint-text" type="text" aria-describedby="example-with-hint-text-hint" inputmode="numeric">
</div>
Nunjucks macro options

Use options to customise the appearance, content and behaviour of a component when using a macro, for example, changing the text.

Some options are required for the macro to work; these are marked as "Required" in the option description.

If you're using Nunjucks macros in production with "html" options, or ones ending with "html", you must sanitise the HTML to protect against cross-site scripting exploits.

Nunjucks arguments for input hint text
Name Type Required Description
text string true If html is set, this is not required. Text to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
html string true If text is set, this is not required. HTML to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
id string false Id attribute to add to the hint.
classes string false Classes to add to the hint.
attributes object false HTML attributes (for example data attributes) to add to the hint. 
{% from 'input/macro.njk' import input %}

{{ input({
  label: {
    text: "What is your NHS number?"
  },
    hint: {
    text: "Your NHS number is a 10 digit number that you find on any letter the NHS has sent you, for example, 485 777 3456"
  },
  id: "example-with-hint-text",
  name: "example-with-hint-text",
  classes: "nhsuk-input--width-10",
  inputmode: "numeric"
}) }}

Radios with hint text

Open this radios hint text example in a new tab 
<div class="nhsuk-form-group">

  <fieldset class="nhsuk-fieldset" aria-describedby="example-hints-hint">
    <legend class="nhsuk-fieldset__legend nhsuk-fieldset__legend--l">
      <h1 class="nhsuk-fieldset__heading">
        Do you know your NHS number?
      </h1>
    </legend>
    <div class="nhsuk-hint" id="example-hints-hint">
      <p class="nhsuk-u-margin-bottom-2">This is a 10 digit number, like 485 777 3456.</p>
      <p>You can find it on any letter the NHS has sent you, on a prescription or by logging in to a GP practice online service.</p>
    </div>
    <div class="nhsuk-radios">
      <div class="nhsuk-radios__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-radios__input" id="example-hints-1" name="example-hints" type="radio" value="yes">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-radios__label" for="example-hints-1">
          Yes, I know my NHS number
        </label>
      </div>
      <div class="nhsuk-radios__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-radios__input" id="example-hints-2" name="example-hints" type="radio" value="no">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-radios__label" for="example-hints-2">
          No, I do not know my NHS number
        </label>
      </div>
      <div class="nhsuk-radios__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-radios__input" id="example-hints-3" name="example-hints" type="radio" value="not sure">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-radios__label" for="example-hints-3">
          I&#39;m not sure
        </label>
      </div>
    </div>
  </fieldset>
</div>
Nunjucks macro options

Use options to customise the appearance, content and behaviour of a component when using a macro, for example, changing the text.

Some options are required for the macro to work; these are marked as "Required" in the option description.

If you're using Nunjucks macros in production with "html" options, or ones ending with "html", you must sanitise the HTML to protect against cross-site scripting exploits.

Nunjucks arguments for radios hint text
Name Type Required Description
text string true If html is set, this is not required. Text to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
html string true If text is set, this is not required. HTML to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
id string false Id attribute to add to the hint.
classes string false Classes to add to the hint.
attributes object false HTML attributes (for example data attributes) to add to the hint. 
{% from 'radios/macro.njk' import radios %}
{% from 'fieldset/macro.njk' import fieldset %}
{% from 'hint/macro.njk' import hint %}

{% set hintHtml -%}
  <p class="nhsuk-u-margin-bottom-2">This is a 10 digit number, like 485 777 3456.</p>
  <p>You can find it on any letter the NHS has sent you, on a prescription or by logging in to a GP practice online service.</p>
{%- endset %}

{{ radios({
  idPrefix: "example-hints",
  name: "example-hints",
  fieldset: {
    legend: {
      text: "Do you know your NHS number?",
      classes: "nhsuk-fieldset__legend--l",
      isPageHeading: true
    }
  },
  hint: {
    html: hintHtml
  },
  items: [
  {
    value: "yes",
    text: "Yes, I know my NHS number"
  },
  {
    value: "no",
    text: "No, I do not know my NHS number"
  },
  {
    value: "not sure",
    text: "I'm not sure"
  }
]
}) }}

Radio items with hints

You can add hints to radios to give more information about the options.

Open this radio item with hints hint text example in a new tab 
<div class="nhsuk-form-group">

  <fieldset class="nhsuk-fieldset">
    <legend class="nhsuk-fieldset__legend nhsuk-fieldset__legend--l">
      <h1 class="nhsuk-fieldset__heading">
        How do you want to sign in?
      </h1>
    </legend>
    <div class="nhsuk-radios">
      <div class="nhsuk-radios__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-radios__input" id="example-hints-1" name="example-hints" type="radio" value="gateway" aria-describedby="example-hints-1-item-hint">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-radios__label" for="example-hints-1">
          Sign in with NHS login
        </label>
        <div class="nhsuk-hint nhsuk-radios__hint" id="example-hints-1-item-hint">
          You&#39;ll have a user ID if you&#39;ve registered for the NHS App
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="nhsuk-radios__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-radios__input" id="example-hints-2" name="example-hints" type="radio" value="verify" aria-describedby="example-hints-2-item-hint">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-radios__label" for="example-hints-2">
          Sign in with GOV.UK Verify
        </label>
        <div class="nhsuk-hint nhsuk-radios__hint" id="example-hints-2-item-hint">
          You&#39;ll have an account if you&#39;ve already proved your identity with either Barclays, CitizenSafe, Digidentity, Experian, Post Office, Royal Mail or SecureIdentity
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
  </fieldset>
</div>
Nunjucks macro options

Use options to customise the appearance, content and behaviour of a component when using a macro, for example, changing the text.

Some options are required for the macro to work; these are marked as "Required" in the option description.

If you're using Nunjucks macros in production with "html" options, or ones ending with "html", you must sanitise the HTML to protect against cross-site scripting exploits.

Nunjucks arguments for radio item with hints hint text
Name Type Required Description
text string true If html is set, this is not required. Text to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
html string true If text is set, this is not required. HTML to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
id string false Id attribute to add to the hint.
classes string false Classes to add to the hint.
attributes object false HTML attributes (for example data attributes) to add to the hint. 
{% from 'radios/macro.njk' import radios %}

{{ radios({
  idPrefix: "example-hints",
  name: "example-hints",
  fieldset: {
    legend: {
      text: "How do you want to sign in?",
      classes: "nhsuk-fieldset__legend--l",
      isPageHeading: true
    }
  },
  items: [
    {
      value: "gateway",
      text: "Sign in with NHS login",
      hint: {
        text: "You'll have a user ID if you've registered for the NHS App"
      }
    },
    {
      value: "verify",
      text: "Sign in with GOV.UK Verify",
      hint: {
        text: "You'll have an account if you've already proved your identity with either Barclays, CitizenSafe, Digidentity, Experian, Post Office, Royal Mail or SecureIdentity"
      }
    }
  ]
}) }}

Checkboxes with hint text

Unlike with radios, users can select more than 1 option from a list of checkboxes. Do not assume that users will know how many options they can select.

Open this checkboxes hint text example in a new tab 
<div class="nhsuk-form-group">

  <fieldset class="nhsuk-fieldset" aria-describedby="contact-hint">
    <legend class="nhsuk-fieldset__legend nhsuk-fieldset__legend--l">
      <h1 class="nhsuk-fieldset__heading">
        How would you like to be contacted?
      </h1>
    </legend>
    <div class="nhsuk-hint" id="contact-hint">
      Select all options that are relevant to you
    </div>
    <div class="nhsuk-checkboxes">

      <div class="nhsuk-checkboxes__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-checkboxes__input" id="contact" name="contact" type="checkbox" value="email">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-checkboxes__label" for="contact">
          Email
        </label>
      </div>

      <div class="nhsuk-checkboxes__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-checkboxes__input" id="contact-2" name="contact" type="checkbox" value="phone">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-checkboxes__label" for="contact-2">
          Phone
        </label>
      </div>

      <div class="nhsuk-checkboxes__item">
        <input class="nhsuk-checkboxes__input" id="contact-3" name="contact" type="checkbox" value="text message">
        <label class="nhsuk-label nhsuk-checkboxes__label" for="contact-3">
          Text message
        </label>
      </div>
    </div>
  </fieldset>
</div>
Nunjucks macro options

Use options to customise the appearance, content and behaviour of a component when using a macro, for example, changing the text.

Some options are required for the macro to work; these are marked as "Required" in the option description.

If you're using Nunjucks macros in production with "html" options, or ones ending with "html", you must sanitise the HTML to protect against cross-site scripting exploits.

Nunjucks arguments for checkboxes hint text
Name Type Required Description
text string true If html is set, this is not required. Text to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
html string true If text is set, this is not required. HTML to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
id string false Id attribute to add to the hint.
classes string false Classes to add to the hint.
attributes object false HTML attributes (for example data attributes) to add to the hint. 
{% from 'checkboxes/macro.njk' import checkboxes %}

{{ checkboxes({
  idPrefix: "contact",
  name: "contact",
  fieldset: {
    legend: {
      text: "How would you like to be contacted?",
      classes: "nhsuk-fieldset__legend--l",
      isPageHeading: true
    }
  },
  hint: {
    text: "Select all options that are relevant to you"
  },
  items: [
    {
      value: "email",
      text: "Email",
      id: "contact"
    },
    {
      value: "phone",
      text: "Phone"
    },
    {
      value: "text message",
      text: "Text message"
    }
  ]
}) }}

Textarea with hint text

Open this textarea hint text example in a new tab 
<div class="nhsuk-form-group">
  <label class="nhsuk-label" for="example">
    Can you provide more detail?
  </label>
  <div class="nhsuk-hint" id="example-hint">
    Do not include personal information like your name, date of birth or NHS number
  </div> <textarea class="nhsuk-textarea" id="example" name="example" rows="5" aria-describedby="example-hint"></textarea>
</div>
Nunjucks macro options

Use options to customise the appearance, content and behaviour of a component when using a macro, for example, changing the text.

Some options are required for the macro to work; these are marked as "Required" in the option description.

If you're using Nunjucks macros in production with "html" options, or ones ending with "html", you must sanitise the HTML to protect against cross-site scripting exploits.

Nunjucks arguments for textarea hint text
Name Type Required Description
text string true If html is set, this is not required. Text to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
html string true If text is set, this is not required. HTML to use within the hint. If html is provided, the text argument will be ignored.
id string false Id attribute to add to the hint.
classes string false Classes to add to the hint.
attributes object false HTML attributes (for example data attributes) to add to the hint. 
{% from 'textarea/macro.njk' import textarea %}

{{ textarea({
  name: "example",
  id: "example",
  label: {
    text: "Can you provide more detail?"
  },
  hint: {
    text: "Do not include personal information like your name, date of birth or NHS number"
  }
}) }}

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Updated: July 2025