> **Source:** https://knowledge.leegality.com/document-execution/template/html-template/formatting-and-editing/large-textbox
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# Large Textbox

Large textboxes allow signers to enter longer, multi-line text input in your templates. Use large textboxes to collect information like full addresses, comments, detailed descriptions, or any other lengthy text-based data.

> **Info — When to Use Large Textbox**
>
> Use large textboxes for longer, multi-line inputs without character restrictions. If you need to collect short, single-line text (up to 1028 characters), use **[Small Textbox](https://knowledge.leegality.com/document-execution/template/html-template/formatting-and-editing/small-textbox)** instead.

## Create & add large textbox

Follow these steps to insert a large textbox into your template:

1. In the HTML Template editor, place your cursor where you want the textbox to appear.
2. On the toolbar, click **Large Textbox**.
3. The configuration popup will open with two tabs:
   - **Basic tab:** Configure the group name, field name, and placeholder text
     - **Select Group:** Choose an existing group or create a new one
     - **Group Name:** Name for auto-filling the same information across multiple textboxes
     - **Name:** Unique identifier for this textbox (not visible to signers)
     - **Placeholder:** Helper text that appears inside the textbox
   - **More Options tab:** Control textbox appearance and behavior
     - **Columns:** Width of the textbox in character columns
     - **Rows:** Height of the textbox in text lines
     - **Mandatory Field:** Require signers to fill this field
4. Configure your textbox settings (explained in detail in the sections below).
5. Click **OK**.

> **Tip — Use Helpful Placeholders**
>
> Provide clear placeholder text with examples or formatting guidance to help signers understand what to enter. For example: "Enter your complete address" or "Provide any additional comments here".

## Understanding groups and auto-fill

Grouping textboxes allows you to auto-fill the same information across multiple fields in your document. When textboxes are in the same group, filling one field automatically fills all other fields in that group.

**Why use groups?**

Use groups when you need the same information to appear in multiple places in your document. For example:
- Complete address appearing in multiple sections
- Detailed description needed in different parts of the document
- Comments or notes required in various locations

**How it works:**

When a signer fills in one textbox in a group, all other textboxes in that same group are automatically populated with the same value. This saves time and ensures consistency.

**Example:**

If you create two large textboxes with the group name `full_address`:
1. Signer enters their complete address in the first textbox
2. The second textbox in the `full_address` group automatically shows the same address

> **Tip — Use Grouping Wisely**
>
> Only group fields that should contain the exact same information. Don't group different fields together just for organisation purposes. Grouping is specifically for auto-filling repeated information.

## Configure large textbox options

Use the **More Options** tab to customise the appearance and behavior of your large textbox.

### Set textbox dimensions

Control the width and height of the textbox to match the expected content:

1. Open the textbox configuration popup (or right-click an existing textbox and select **Text Field Properties**).
2. Go to the **More Options** tab.
3. Set the dimensions:
   - **Columns:** Width in character columns (e.g., 40-50 for narrow, 80-100 for wide)
   - **Rows:** Height in text lines (e.g., 3-5 for addresses, 8-10 for comments, 15+ for descriptions)
4. Click **OK**.

> **Info**
>
> The columns and rows settings control the initial display size of the textbox. Signers can enter more text than the visible area, and scrollbars will appear if needed.

**Example dimensions:**
- Address: 50 columns × 5 rows
- Comments: 80 columns × 8 rows
- Detailed description: 100 columns × 15 rows

> **Tip**
>
> Set rows and columns appropriately so signers can see most of their input without excessive scrolling. This improves the user experience.

### Make field mandatory

Require signers to fill in the textbox:

1. Open the textbox configuration popup (or right-click an existing textbox and select **Text Field Properties**).
2. Go to the **More Options** tab.
3. Check the **Mandatory Field** checkbox.
4. Click **OK**.

Signers will be unable to complete the document until they fill in this field.

**When to use:**
- Required additional information
- Mandatory feedback or comments
- Essential descriptions

> **Tip**
>
> Only mark fields as mandatory when they are truly required. Too many mandatory fields can frustrate signers.

## Manage & edit textboxes

After placing textboxes in your template, you can modify, move, or duplicate them as needed.

### Change textbox properties

To edit an existing textbox:

1. **Right-click** on the textbox inside the editor.
2. Select **Text Field Properties** from the menu.
3. Modify any settings (group, name, placeholder, columns, rows, or mandatory field).
4. Click **OK** to save your changes.

> **Info — Note**
>
> All the original settings (group, name, placeholder, columns, rows, and mandatory field) will be visible and editable when you access Text Field Properties.

### Move or duplicate a textbox

To move or copy a textbox to a different location:

1. Select the textbox you want to perform the action.
2. **Right-click** the textbox.
3. Select **Cut** (to move) or **Copy** (to duplicate).
4. Move your cursor to the new location.
5. **Right-click** and select **Paste**.

## Preview your textboxes

1. Locate the **Preview** button in the bottom-left corner of the editor.
2. Click **Preview** to view how your template will appear to signers.
3. Test the textbox functionality:
   - Ensure the dimensions (rows and columns) are appropriate for the expected content
   - Try entering multi-line text to verify the textbox works correctly
   - Verify mandatory fields cannot be skipped
4. Exit preview mode and make any necessary adjustments.

> **Tip**
>
> Always preview your textboxes after creation to ensure they provide adequate space for the expected content and offer a good user experience.