helptext
Built-in user manual
Helptext is instructional text that explains how to use software, fill out forms, or complete tasks.
It typically appears as tooltips, sidebar guidance, or inline explanations: The helptext told me to enter my date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format.
Good helptext anticipates confusion; bad helptext states the obvious.
Hover-activated explanatory popup
- placeholderTemporary position marker
- hintIndirect suggestion
- promptIncite to action
- labelIdentifying attachment or marker
caption · instruction · guidance · description · popover · callout · balloon · overlay
Written instructions for use
- guideLeader or instruction book
- tutorialInstructional step-by-step guide
- FAQCommon queries document
- readmeProject documentation file
reference · instructions · support · knowledgebase · walkthrough · onboarding · explainer · annotation
Program converting text to audio
- ARIAWeb accessibility attribute standard
- assistiveProviding help or aid
- descriptivePortraying with specific details
- clarityState of being understandable
plain language · readability · inclusive · usability · navigation · keyboard · focus · announcement
tooltip
Hover-activated explanatory popup
- placeholderTemporary position marker
- hintIndirect suggestion
- promptIncite to action
label · caption · instruction · guidance · description · popover · callout · balloon · overlay · microcopy
manual
Written instructions for use
readme · reference · instructions · support · knowledgebase · walkthrough · onboarding · explainer · annotation · glossary
screen reader
Program converting text to audio
- ARIAWeb accessibility attribute standard
- assistiveProviding help or aid
- descriptivePortraying with specific details
clarity · plain language · readability · inclusive · usability · navigation · keyboard · focus · announcement · verbosity
helptextobfuscation
Deliberate concealment through confusion
cryptic message · undocumented · jargon · error message · gibberish
help, text, helps, helped, helping, helper, helpers, helpful, helpfully