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Short Text ​

Collect brief text input from customers in a single-line text field.

Overview ​

Short Text is an input option type that allows customers to enter a single line of text. It's ideal for collecting brief information like names, initials, short messages, or custom details.

Use Short Text for:

  • Personalization (names, initials, monograms)
  • Gift messages (short notes)
  • Custom text (labels, tags)
  • Reference numbers (order IDs, codes)
  • Brief instructions or notes

Key characteristics:

  • Single-line text input
  • Can be marked as required
  • Supports placeholder text
  • Optional character limit (Max Length)
  • Validates input before checkout

Configuration ​

Basic Settings ​

SettingDescription
LabelOption name displayed to customers (e.g., "Name for Engraving")
Option is required for this option setIf enabled, customers must fill this field before adding to cart
Hide Label from storefrontIf enabled, only the input field 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 input field (e.g., "Enter your name")
Max LengthMaximum number of characters allowed (leave empty for no limit)

How to Add Short Text ​

  1. Navigate to Option Sets and open your option set
  2. Click Add Option
  3. Select Short Text from the Option Type modal
  4. Enter a Label (e.g., "Engraving Text")
  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. Click Save in the contextual save bar

Use Cases ​

Personalized Engraving ​

Label: Name for Engraving Required: Yes Placeholder: Enter name (up to 15 characters) Max Length: 15

Result: Customers must enter a name limited to 15 characters for engraving

Gift Message ​

Label: Gift Message Required: No Placeholder: Add a short message Max Length: 50 Help Text: Keep it brief - longer messages available in Text Area option

Result: Optional field for short gift messages, limited to 50 characters

Monogram Initials ​

Label: Monogram Initials Required: Yes Placeholder: ABC (3 letters) Max Length: 3 Help Text: Enter initials in the order: First, Last, Middle

Result: Required 3-character field with clear instructions for monogram format

Custom Label Text ​

Label: Custom Label Required: No Placeholder: Enter custom text Max Length: 20

Result: Optional field for custom label text, limited to 20 characters

Order Reference ​

Label: PO Number Required: No Placeholder: Enter purchase order number Internal Label: Customer PO Reference

Result: Optional field for business customers to add their PO numbers

Styling ​

Short Text input fields inherit styling from your theme and customization settings:

Best Practices ​

Set appropriate character limits:

  • Use Max Length to match physical constraints (e.g., engraving space)
  • Don't set limits too low - allow reasonable input
  • Consider the longest likely input when setting limits
  • For no limit, leave Max Length empty

Use clear placeholders:

  • Show example format: "John Smith" or "ABC"
  • Include character count if limited: "Up to 20 characters"
  • Be specific: "First and Last Name" not just "Name"
  • Match placeholder style to expected input

Make requirements clear:

  • Use Required checkbox for essential information
  • Add Help Text to explain format or limitations
  • Show character count in placeholder or help text
  • Explain why the information is needed

Choose between Short Text and Text Area:

  • Use Short Text for: Names, codes, brief notes, single-line input
  • Use Text Area for: Paragraphs, detailed instructions, multi-line content
  • Short Text is cleaner for brief inputs
  • Text Area allows line breaks and longer content

Consider validation:

  • Max Length provides automatic character limit enforcement
  • Required ensures field is filled before checkout
  • Placeholder guides correct input format
  • Help Text provides additional context