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Paragraph Text ​

Collect longer text input from customers in a multi-line text area field.

Overview ​

Paragraph Text is an input option type that allows customers to enter multiple lines of text. It's ideal for collecting longer information like messages, descriptions, instructions, or any content that needs line breaks and paragraphs.

Use Paragraph Text for:

  • Gift messages (detailed notes)
  • Special instructions or requests
  • Product customization descriptions
  • Customer notes or comments
  • Detailed personalization text

Key characteristics:

  • Multi-line text area input
  • Can be marked as required
  • Supports placeholder text
  • Optional character limit (Max Length)
  • Allows line breaks and paragraphs
  • Validates input before checkout

Configuration ​

Basic Settings ​

SettingDescription
LabelOption name displayed to customers (e.g., "Special Instructions")
Option is required for this option setIf enabled, customers must fill this field before adding to cart
Hide Label from storefrontIf enabled, only the text area is shown (label is hidden)

Advanced Settings ​

SettingDescription
Internal LabelAdmin-only identifier (replaces label in options list)
Help TextAdditional guidance shown to customers (based on display mode)
PlaceholderGray text shown inside empty text area (e.g., "Enter your message here")
Max LengthMaximum number of characters allowed (leave empty for no limit)
Text TransformNone (default) / Uppercase / Lowercase / Capitalize. Changes the letter casing of the entered text on the storefront. Visual only: the submitted value isn't changed
CSS classYour own class name(s) on this option's container — see CSS Class & CSS ID
CSS IDYour own HTML ID on this option's container — see CSS Class & CSS ID

How to Add Paragraph Text ​

  1. Navigate to Option Sets and open your option set
  2. Click Add Option
  3. Select Paragraph Text from the Option Type modal
  4. Enter a Label (e.g., "Gift Message")
  5. Check Option is required if the field must be filled
  6. (Optional) Click Advanced Settings to configure:
    • Placeholder for guidance text
    • Max Length to limit characters
    • Help Text for additional context
  7. (Optional) Click Style Settings to assign a Paragraph Text template
  8. Click Save in the contextual save bar

Use Cases ​

Gift Message ​

Label: Gift Message Required: No Placeholder: Write your personal message here Max Length: 500 Help Text: Your message will be included in a gift card

Result: Optional text area for customers to write detailed gift messages up to 500 characters

Special Requests ​

Label: Special Instructions Required: No Placeholder: Any special requests or instructions for your order? Max Length: 1000

Result: Optional field for customers to provide detailed order instructions or requests

Custom Engraving Text ​

Label: Engraving Message Required: Yes Placeholder: Enter the text you'd like engraved (max 200 characters) Max Length: 200 Help Text: Multiple lines supported. Preview how your text will look on the product page.

Result: Required multi-line field for detailed engraving text with character limit

Product Description ​

Label: Describe Your Design Required: Yes Placeholder: Tell us about your custom design requirements Internal Label: Custom Design Details

Result: Required text area for customers to describe custom design specifications

Dietary Requirements ​

Label: Dietary Restrictions or Allergies Required: No Placeholder: Please list any dietary restrictions or allergies we should be aware of Max Length: 300

Result: Optional field for customers to provide detailed dietary information

Styling ​

With no template assigned, Paragraph Text fields inherit styling from your theme and customization settings:

For more control, assign a Paragraph Text template. It adds field styles made for longer text (Outlined, Filled, Note card and Lined paper), a set height or one that grows with the text, a label beside the field or in a tab, a typeface, and a choice of character counter. See Paragraph Text Styling.

Best Practices ​

Set appropriate character limits:

  • Use Max Length for physical constraints (card space, engraving limits)
  • Allow generous limits for descriptive content
  • Consider: 200-500 chars for messages, 500-1000 for instructions
  • For no limit, leave Max Length empty

Use clear placeholders:

  • Provide examples of expected content
  • Include character limit in placeholder if set
  • Be specific about format or requirements
  • Guide customers on what to write

Make requirements clear:

  • Use Required checkbox only for essential information
  • Add Help Text to explain why information is needed
  • With a Max Length set, a character count shows under the field; a template can turn it into a progress bar or hide it
  • Indicate how the text will be used

Choose between Short Text and Paragraph Text:

  • Use Short Text for: Names, codes, brief notes, single-line input
  • Use Paragraph Text for: Messages, instructions, descriptions, multi-line content
  • Paragraph Text allows line breaks and formatting
  • Short Text is cleaner for brief single-line inputs

Consider text area size:

  • Without a template the field is 4 lines tall and customers can drag it taller; a Paragraph Text template can set a fixed height or make it grow with the text
  • More visible than short text for longer content
  • Better user experience for multi-sentence input
  • Test on mobile devices for usability

Validate content needs:

  • Max Length enforces character limits automatically
  • Required ensures field is filled before checkout
  • Placeholder shows expected format
  • Help Text provides context and guidance