What modifications are needed to transform an input[type=text] element into a textarea?

Is there a way to make an input[type=text] element behave like a textarea, displaying multiple lines and having a larger height? Unfortunately, I cannot simply replace it with a textarea. Any suggestions on how to convert or modify the input element to work like a textarea?

Answer №1

Refer to the answer provided here:

Dealing with multiple lines of input in <input type="text"

By including the css property word-break: break-word;, you can achieve the desired behavior you're looking for. After performing a quick test, it does demonstrate the expected outcome.

However, keep in mind that there are additional features that textarea offers which input[type="text"] cannot replicate. Nonetheless, it's a good starting point!

View DEMO

input{
    height:500px;
    width:500px;
    word-break: break-word;
}
<input type="text">

Although applying this style will allow text to wrap to the next line upon reaching the right border, it won't enable using the return key to start a new line and the text will be vertically centered within the input field.


Should JavaScript be an option, rather than attempting to manipulate input into behaving like a textarea, the optimal solution is to display an actual textarea, hide the text input, and ensure both are synchronized through javascript. You can find an example fiddle:

http://jsfiddle.net/fen05zd8/1/


If jQuery is viable, consider dynamically converting your designated input[type="text"] to a textarea. During conversion, all pertinent attributes such as id, value, and class can be copied over. Events will automatically link to the substituted textarea either through event delegation or via class selectors.

This approach allows you to retain your current markup without altering it (if changing to textarea is not feasible). Simply inject a bit of Javascript / jQuery to mirror the functionality of textarea using the actual element itself.

You can view a sample demo utilizing Javascript above. Another demonstration incorporating jQuery can be found here: http://jsfiddle.net/abhitalks/xqrfedg2/

Here's a simplified snippet:

$("a#go").on("click", function () {

    $("input.convert").each(function () {
        var $txtarea = $("<textarea />");
        $txtarea.attr("id", this.id);
        $txtarea.attr("rows", 8);
        $txtarea.attr("cols", 60);        
        $txtarea.val(this.value);
        $(this).replaceWith($txtarea);
    });
});
<script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/2.1.1/jquery.min.js"></script>
<label>Name:</label><input id="txt1" type="text" />
<br /><br />
<label>Address:</label><input id="txt2" type="text" class="convert" value="Address here.." />
<hr />
<a id="go" href="#">Convert</a>

Answer №2

$('input[type="button"]').click(function(e) {
  $('input[type="text"]').val($('#source').html());  
});
#source {
  border: 1px solid #ccc;
  height: auto;
  margin-top: 10px;
  min-height: 10px;
  overflow: auto;
  padding: 5px;
  width: 106px;
  word-break: break-word;
}
<script src="https://ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/2.1.1/jquery.min.js"></script>
<input type="text" name="text" />
<div id="source" contenteditable=""></div>

<input type="button" value="Send" />

This specific HTML code allows for the submission of input containing HTML elements, which may be a drawback. For instance, when submitting the following text:

Lorem ipsum Dolores amet

it would be submitted with HTML tags like this:

Lorem ipsum <br> Dolores amet

Feel free to explore the functionality on Codepen: http://codepen.io/pacMakaveli/pen/MYYOZW

Answer №3

Have you considered using the Textarea element instead?

<textarea id="txtArea" rows="10" cols="70"></textarea>

The "input" tag lacks support for the rows and cols attributes, making the textarea a better alternative. Additionally, you can include a "name" attribute and utilize the helpful "wrap" attribute in various scenarios.

It is unnecessary to specify a height for an input tag. For more information, visit:

More than 1 row in <Input type="textarea" />

Answer №4

It is not possible to convert an input[type=text] into a <textarea>. The only HTML form element designed for multiline text is the textarea.

Answer №5

How about implementing something similar to the example found at this link? Ensure that "Enter" is recognized as a new line on the backend.

Here's the HTML setup:

<form id="frm">
    <input name="ip" type="text" id="it" style="display:none;"></input>
    <textarea id='ta'></textarea>
    <input type="submit" id="btn">submit</button>
</form>

And for the JavaScript portion:

document.getElementById("ta").addEventListener("keyup", function(e){
    document.getElementById("it").value = document.getElementById("it").value + e.key;
});

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