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.
What this source can teach
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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. |
Comparisons supported by this source
- Date input vs input mask vs text input vs select
Microsoft documents masks as fixed placeholder and literal-character constraints, including date-picker conflict warnings.
- Input mask vs text input vs inline validation vs autocomplete
Microsoft documents masks as placeholder and literal-character constraints, including stored-versus-displayed separators and cases where masks are inappropriate.
Evidence Role
This source is treated as platform-guideline evidence. Its value comes from the specific claims and setting described above.
Publisher: Microsoft. Last checked: .