# Using the `title` attribute to provide context-sensitive help

ID: H89

Technology: html

Type: Technique

## When to Use

HTML

## Description

The objective of this technique is to provide context sensitive help for users as they enter data in forms by providing the help information in a `title` attribute. The help may include format information or examples of input.

Current user agents and assistive technologies do not always provide the information contained in the `title` attribute to users. Avoid using this technique in isolation.

## Examples

A mapping application provides a form consisting of a label "Address:", an input component and a submit button with value "Find map". The input component has a `title` attribute value with an example of the address format the user should enter.

    <label for="search-address">Address:</label>
    <input id="search-address" name="search-address" size="30"
     title="Address example: 101 Collins St, Melbourne, Australia" type="text" value="">

A form that allows users to pay their bill online requires the user to enter their account number. The input component associated with the "Account number" label has a `title` attribute providing information on locating the account number.

    <label for="acc-num1">Account number:</label>
    <input id="acc-num1" size="10"
     title="Your account number can be found in the top right-hand corner of your bill"
     type="text" value="">

## Tests

### Procedure

1. Identify form controls that require text input.
2. Check that each form control has an explicitly associated label
3. Check that each form control has context-sensitive help provided in the `title` attribute.

### Expected Results

- Checks #2 and #3 are true.

## Related Techniques

- H65
- G71