JavaScript Newbies Encounter OnFocus Dilemma

How can I add default grey text to a text field on an ASP.net page, and make it disappear when the user clicks or enters the field?

I have successfully implemented onFocus event for changing text color in my .aspx page using a <script> tag with JS code:

<script type="text/javascript>
    function test(obj) {
        obj.style.color = "grey";
    }
</script>

In the code behind, I have added the OnFocus attribute to the txtBox ID to trigger the test function:

txtBox.Attributes.Add("OnFocus", "test(this)")

Now I am seeking help on how to achieve this without using any HTML tags in my ASP.Net Page. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer №1

Consider utilizing jQuery for better functionality

Instructions on how to incorporate jQuery:

<script type="text/javascript" src="http://code.jquery.com/jquery-latest.js"></script>

HTML snippet:

<input type="text" />

CSS styling:

.grey { color:#aaa; }

jQuery script:

var inputval = "";
$(document).ready(function() {
    // Set default value for the input
    $("input[type='text']").val("Enter your text here...");
    // Apply grey color or a blur effect
    $("input[type='text']").addClass('grey');
    // Store the default value
    inputval = $("input[type='text']").val();
    $("input[type='text']").focusin(function() {
    // Check if textbox is empty or has default value
    if ($(this).val() == "" || $(this).val() == inputval) {
        // Clear the box
        $(this).val("");
        // Remove grey color
        $(this).removeClass('grey'); }
    }).focusout(function() {
        // Check if textbox is empty
        if ($(this).val() == "") {
            // Restore Default value
            $(this).val(inputval);
            // Reapply grey color
            $(this).addClass('grey'); }
    });
});

Test it out on jsfiddle: http://jsfiddle.net/BerkerYuceer/SWc6g/

This code example may not be optimal, but it illustrates the concept effectively.

An improved version is available below:

HTML snippet:

<input type="text" />

Enhanced jQuery script:

$(document).ready(function() {
    Watermark("input[type='text']","Enter your text here...");
});

function Watermark(element, WatermarkString) {
    $(element).val(WatermarkString).css('color','#aaa');
    $(element).focusin(function() {
        if ($(this).val() == "" || $(this).val() == WatermarkString) {
            $(this).val("").css('color','#000'); }
    }).focusout(function() {
        if ($(this).val() == "") {
            $(this).val(WatermarkString).css('color','#aaa'); }
    });
};

Improved version on jsfiddle: http://jsfiddle.net/BerkerYuceer/vLJ2U/

Answer №2

Can we create a similar output like this?

<input type="email" placeholder="Please enter your email address..." />

In order to achieve that, you must include the

placeholder="Please enter your email address..."
attribute within the <input /> tag.

Answer №3

Did you intend to do this?

<html>
<head></head>
<body>
    <input id="searchbar" type="text" onFocus="initializeText(this);" />

    <script type="text/javascript">

        var defaultInput = 'Type your search here...'
        var initializeText = function(element){
            if(element.value == defaultInput){
                element.value = "";
            }
        }

        var userInput = document.getElementById('searchbar');

        userInput.value = defaultInput;
    </script>

</body>
</html>

Answer №4

Although I have limited knowledge of ASP.NET, it seems possible to incorporate an onfocus listener by adding the following code:

txtBox.Attributes.Add("Value", "Please input your text here...")
txtBox.Attributes.Add("OnFocus", "updateValue(this)")
txtBox.Attributes.Add("OnBlur", "updateValue(this)")

The function updateValue is defined as:

function updateValue(el) {
    if (el.value == el.defaultValue) {
      el.value = '';
    } else {
      el.value = el.defaultValue;
    }
}

This setup essentially replicates the placeholder attribute, which in my opinion, should be sparingly utilized due to its potentially irritating user interface design.

Answer №5

Are you searching for a way to add a watermark effect to a text field?

If so, there are a few methods you can try:

1) Utilize the AjaxToolKit library (Check out a Watermark Effect Demo here)
2) Implement HTML + CSS + jQuery

<input type="text" id="text1" value="some text"/>
<script type="text/javascript">
  $(document).ready(function() {
    var tbval = $('#text1').val();
    $('#text1').focus(function() { $(this).val('');});
    $('#text1').blur(function() { $(this).val(tbval);});
  });
</script>

Sources:

  • Learn more about creating a simple jQuery watermark textbox here
  • Implementing a textbox input watermark using jQuery tutorial

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