platform-guideline checked
Microsoft Support: Control data entry formats with input masks
Documents input masks as strings of placeholder and literal characters that constrain accepted values, with examples for phone numbers, stored-versus-displayed literals, and warnings against masks when users need exceptions or date picker behavior.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date input | Choose date input for exact dates users already know or can find quickly. | Typing, paste, selection, deletion, undo, and correction happen inside each part without automatic focus movement. | Microsoft input-mask guidance helps distinguish rigid placeholder masks from flexible date-part entry. |
| Input mask | Choose input mask when the value has a stable, narrow structure with predictable character classes and grouping. | Typing valid characters fills the next available mask slot and inserts literal separators automatically. | Microsoft documents masks as placeholder and literal-character constraints, including canonical storage choices and warnings against exceptions or date picker conflicts. |
Evidence Role
This source is treated as platform-guideline evidence. Use it to validate the decision rules above, not as a visual style reference.
Publisher: Microsoft. Last checked: .