`s, or nearly any other element. {% example html %} {% endexample %} ### Form grid More complex forms can be built using our grid classes. Use these for form layouts that require multiple columns, varied widths, and additional alignment options. {% example html %} {% endexample %} #### Form row You may also swap `.row` for `.form-row`, a variation of our standard grid row that overrides the default column gutters for tighter and more compact layouts. {% example html %} {% endexample %} More complex layouts can also be created with the grid system. {% example html %} {% endexample %} #### Horizontal form Create horizontal forms with the grid by adding the `.row` class to form groups and using the `.col-*-*` classes to specify the width of your labels and controls. Be sure to add `.col-form-label` to your ``s as well so they're vertically centered with their associated form controls. For `` elements, you can use `.col-form-legend` to make them appear similar to regular `` elements. {% example html %} {% endexample %} ##### Horizontal form label sizing Be sure to use `.col-form-label-sm` or `.col-form-label-lg` to your ``s to correctly follow the size of `.form-control-lg` and `.form-control-sm`. {% example html %} {% endexample %} #### Column sizing As shown in the previous examples, our grid system allows you to place any number of `.col`s within a `.row` or `.form-row`. They'll split the available width equally between them. You may also pick a subset of your columns to take up more or less space, while the remaining `.col`s equally split the rest, with specific column classes like `.col-7`. {% example html %} {% endexample html %} #### Auto-sizing The example below uses a flexbox utility to vertically center the contents and changes `.col` to `.col-auto` so that your columns only take up as much space as needed. Put another way, the column sizes itself based on the contents. {% example html %} {% endexample %} You can then remix that once again with size-specific column classes. {% example html %} {% endexample %} And of course [custom form controls](#custom-forms) are supported. {% example html %} {% endexample %} ### Inline forms Use the `.form-inline` class to display a series of labels, form controls, and buttons on a single horizontal row. Form controls within inline forms vary slightly from their default states. - Controls are `display: flex`, collapsing any HTML white space and allowing you to provide alignment control with [spacing]({{ site.baseurl }}/docs/{{ site.docs_version }}/utilities/spacing/) and [flexbox]({{ site.baseurl }}/docs/{{ site.docs_version }}/utilities/flex/) utilities. - Controls and input groups receive `width: auto` to override the Bootstrap default `width: 100%`. - Controls **only appear inline in viewports that are at least 576px wide** to account for narrow viewports on mobile devices. You may need to manually address the width and alignment of individual form controls with [spacing utilities]({{ site.baseurl }}/docs/{{ site.docs_version }}/utilities/spacing/) (as shown below). Lastly, be sure to always include a `` with each form control, even if you need to hide it from non-screenreader visitors with `.sr-only`. {% example html %} {% endexample %} Custom form controls and selects are also supported. {% example html %} {% endexample %} {% callout warning %} #### Alternatives to hidden labels Assistive technologies such as screen readers will have trouble with your forms if you don't include a label for every input. For these inline forms, you can hide the labels using the `.sr-only` class. There are further alternative methods of providing a label for assistive technologies, such as the `aria-label`, `aria-labelledby` or `title` attribute. If none of these are present, assistive technologies may resort to using the `placeholder` attribute, if present, but note that use of `placeholder` as a replacement for other labelling methods is not advised. {% endcallout %} ## Help text Block-level help text in forms can be created using `.form-text` (previously known as `.help-block` in v3). Inline help text can be flexibly implemented using any inline HTML element and utility classes like `.text-muted`. {% callout warning %} ##### Associating help text with form controls Help text should be explicitly associated with the form control it relates to using the `aria-describedby` attribute. This will ensure that assistive technologies—such as screen readers—will announce this help text when the user focuses or enters the control. {% endcallout %} Help text below inputs can be styled with `.form-text`. This class includes `display: block` and adds some top margin for easy spacing from the inputs above. {% example html %} Password Your password must be 8-20 characters long, contain letters and numbers, and must not contain spaces, special characters, or emoji. {% endexample %} Inline text can use any typical inline HTML element (be it a ``, ``, or something else) with nothing more than a utility class. {% example html %} {% endexample %} ## Disabled forms Add the `disabled` boolean attribute on an input to prevent user interactions and make it appear lighter. {% highlight html %} {% endhighlight %} Add the `disabled` attribute to a `

` to disable all the controls within. {% example html %} {% endexample %} {% callout warning %} #### Caveat with anchors By default, browsers will treat all native form controls (``, ``, `

` elements.
- Bootstrap scopes the `:invalid` and `:valid` styles to parent `.was-validated` class, usually applied to the `<form>`. Otherwise, any required field without a value shows up as invalid on page load. This way, you may choose when to activate them (typically after form submission is attempted).
- As a fallback, `.is-invalid` and `.is-valid` classes may be used instead of the pseudo-classes for [server side validation](#server-side). They do not require a `.was-validated` parent class.
- Due to constraints in how CSS works, we cannot (at present) apply styles to a `<label>` that comes before a form control in the DOM without the help of custom JavaScript.
- All modern browsers support the [constraint validation API](https://www.w3.org/TR/html5/forms.html#the-constraint-validation-api), a series of JavaScript methods for validating form controls.
- Feedback messages may utilize the [browser defaults](#browser-defaults) (different for each browser, and unstylable via CSS) or our custom feedback styles with additional HTML and CSS.
- You may provide custom validity messages with `setCustomValidity` in JavaScript.

With that in mind, consider the following demos for our custom form validation styles, optional server side classes, and browser defaults.

### Custom styles

For custom Bootstrap form validation messages, you'll need to add the `novalidate` boolean attribute to your `<form>`. This disables the browser default feedback tooltips, but still provides access to the form validation APIs in JavaScript. Try to submit the form below; our JavaScript will intercept the submit button and relay feedback to you.

When attempting to submit, you'll see the `:invalid` and `:valid` styles applied to your form controls.

{% example html %}
<form class="container" id="needs-validation" novalidate>
  <div class="row">
    <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
      <label for="validationCustom01">First name</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationCustom01" placeholder="First name" value="Mark" required>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
      <label for="validationCustom02">Last name</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationCustom02" placeholder="Last name" value="Otto" required>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="row">
    <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
      <label for="validationCustom03">City</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationCustom03" placeholder="City" required>
      <div class="invalid-feedback">
        Please provide a valid city.
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-3 mb-3">
      <label for="validationCustom04">State</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationCustom04" placeholder="State" required>
      <div class="invalid-feedback">
        Please provide a valid state.
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-3 mb-3">
      <label for="validationCustom05">Zip</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationCustom05" placeholder="Zip" required>
      <div class="invalid-feedback">
        Please provide a valid zip.
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
  <button class="btn btn-primary" type="submit">Submit form</button>
</form>

### Browser defaults

Not interested in custom validation feedback messages or writing JavaScript to change form behaviors? All good, you can use the browser defaults. Try submitting the form below. Depending on your browser and OS, you'll see a slightly different style of feedback.

While these feedback styles cannot be styled with CSS, you can still customize the feedback text through JavaScript.

{% example html %}
<form>
  <div class="row">
    <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
      <label for="validationDefault01">First name</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationDefault01" placeholder="First name" value="Mark" required>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
      <label for="validationDefault02">Last name</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationDefault02" placeholder="Last name" value="Otto" required>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="row">
    <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
      <label for="validationDefault03">City</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationDefault03" placeholder="City" required>
      <div class="invalid-feedback">
        Please provide a valid city.
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-3 mb-3">
      <label for="validationDefault04">State</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationDefault04" placeholder="State" required>
      <div class="invalid-feedback">
        Please provide a valid state.
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-3 mb-3">
      <label for="validationDefault05">Zip</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control" id="validationDefault05" placeholder="Zip" required>
      <div class="invalid-feedback">
        Please provide a valid zip.
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>

<button class="btn btn-primary" type="submit">Submit form</button>
</form>
{% endexample %}

### Server side

We recommend using client side validation, but in case you require server side, you can indicate invalid and valid form fields with `.is-invalid` and `.is-valid`. Note that `.invalid-feedback` is also supported with these classes.

{% example html %}
<form>
  <div class="row">
    <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
      <label for="validationServer01">First name</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control is-valid" id="validationServer01" placeholder="First name" value="Mark" required>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
      <label for="validationServer02">Last name</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control is-valid" id="validationServer02" placeholder="Last name" value="Otto" required>
    </div>
  </div>
  <div class="row">
    <div class="col-md-6 mb-3">
      <label for="validationServer03">City</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control is-invalid" id="validationServer03" placeholder="City" required>
      <div class="invalid-feedback">
        Please provide a valid city.
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-3 mb-3">
      <label for="validationServer04">State</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control is-invalid" id="validationServer04" placeholder="State" required>
      <div class="invalid-feedback">
        Please provide a valid state.
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-3 mb-3">
      <label for="validationServer05">Zip</label>
      <input type="text" class="form-control is-invalid" id="validationServer05" placeholder="Zip" required>
      <div class="invalid-feedback">
        Please provide a valid zip.
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>

<button class="btn btn-primary" type="submit">Submit form</button>
</form>
{% endexample %}

### Supported elements

Our example forms show native textual `<input>`s above, but form validation styles are available for our custom form controls, too.

{% example html %}
<form class="was-validated">
  <label class="custom-control custom-checkbox">
    <input type="checkbox" class="custom-control-input" required>
    <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
    <span class="custom-control-description">Check this custom checkbox</span>
  </label>

<div class="custom-controls-stacked d-block my-3">
    <label class="custom-control custom-radio">
      <input id="radioStacked1" name="radio-stacked" type="radio" class="custom-control-input" required>
      <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
      <span class="custom-control-description">Toggle this custom radio</span>
    </label>
    <label class="custom-control custom-radio">
      <input id="radioStacked2" name="radio-stacked" type="radio" class="custom-control-input" required>
      <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
      <span class="custom-control-description">Or toggle this other custom radio</span>
    </label>
  </div>

<select class="custom-select d-block my-3" required>
    <option value="">Open this select menu</option>
    <option value="1">One</option>
    <option value="2">Two</option>
    <option value="3">Three</option>
  </select>

<label class="custom-file">
    <input type="file" id="file" class="custom-file-input" required>
    <span class="custom-file-control"></span>
  </label>
</form>
{% endexample %}

## Custom forms

For even more customization and cross browser consistency, use our completely custom form elements to replace the browser defaults. They're built on top of semantic and accessible markup, so they're solid replacements for any default form control.

### Checkboxes and radios

Each checkbox and radio is wrapped in a `<label>` for three reasons:

- It provides a larger hit areas for checking the control.
- It provides a helpful and semantic wrapper to help us replace the default `<input>`s.
- It triggers the state of the `<input>` automatically, meaning no JavaScript is required.

We hide the default `<input>` with `opacity` and use the `.custom-control-indicator` to build a new custom form indicator in its place. Unfortunately we can't build a custom one from just the `<input>` because CSS's `content` doesn't work on that element.

We use the sibling selector (`~`) for all our `<input>` states—like `:checked`—to properly style our custom form indicator. When combined with the `.custom-control-description` class, we can also style the text for each item based on the `<input>`'s state.

In the checked states, we use **base64 embedded SVG icons** from [Open Iconic](https://useiconic.com/open). This provides us the best control for styling and positioning across browsers and devices.

#### Checkboxes

{% example html %}
<label class="custom-control custom-checkbox">
  <input type="checkbox" class="custom-control-input">
  <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
  <span class="custom-control-description">Check this custom checkbox</span>
</label>
{% endexample %}

Custom checkboxes can also utilize the `:indeterminate` pseudo class when manually set via JavaScript (there is no available HTML attribute for specifying it).

<div class="bd-example bd-example-indeterminate">
  <label class="custom-control custom-checkbox">
    <input type="checkbox" class="custom-control-input">
    <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
    <span class="custom-control-description">Check this custom checkbox</span>
  </label>
</div>

If you're using jQuery, something like this should suffice:

{% highlight js %}
$('.your-checkbox').prop('indeterminate', true)
{% endhighlight %}

#### Radios

{% example html %}
<label class="custom-control custom-radio">
  <input id="radio1" name="radio" type="radio" class="custom-control-input">
  <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
  <span class="custom-control-description">Toggle this custom radio</span>
</label>
<label class="custom-control custom-radio">
  <input id="radio2" name="radio" type="radio" class="custom-control-input">
  <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
  <span class="custom-control-description">Or toggle this other custom radio</span>
</label>
{% endexample %}

#### Disabled

Custom checkboxes and radios can also be disabled. Add the `disabled` boolean attribute to the `<input>` and the custom indicator and label description will be automatically styled.

{% example html %}
<label class="custom-control custom-checkbox">
  <input type="checkbox" class="custom-control-input" disabled>
  <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
  <span class="custom-control-description">Check this custom checkbox</span>
</label>

<label class="custom-control custom-radio">
  <input id="radio3" name="radioDisabled" type="radio" class="custom-control-input" disabled>
  <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
  <span class="custom-control-description">Toggle this custom radio</span>
</label>
{% endexample %}

#### Stacked

Custom checkboxes and radios are inline to start. Add a parent with class `.custom-controls-stacked` to ensure each form control is on separate lines.

{% example html %}
<div class="custom-controls-stacked">
  <label class="custom-control custom-radio">
    <input id="radioStacked3" name="radio-stacked" type="radio" class="custom-control-input">
    <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
    <span class="custom-control-description">Toggle this custom radio</span>
  </label>
  <label class="custom-control custom-radio">
    <input id="radioStacked4" name="radio-stacked" type="radio" class="custom-control-input">
    <span class="custom-control-indicator"></span>
    <span class="custom-control-description">Or toggle this other custom radio</span>
  </label>
</div>
{% endexample %}

### Select menu

Custom `<select>` menus need only a custom class, `.custom-select` to trigger the custom styles.

{% example html %}
<select class="custom-select">
  <option selected>Open this select menu</option>
  <option value="1">One</option>
  <option value="2">Two</option>
  <option value="3">Three</option>
</select>
{% endexample %}

### File browser

The file input is the most gnarly of the bunch and require additional JavaScript if you'd like to hook them up with functional *Choose file...* and selected file name text.

{% example html %}
<label class="custom-file">
  <input type="file" id="file2" class="custom-file-input">
  <span class="custom-file-control"></span>
</label>
{% endexample %}

Here's how it works:

- We wrap the `<input>` in a `<label>` so the custom control properly triggers the file browser.
- We hide the default file `<input>` via `opacity`.
- We use `::after` to generate a custom background and directive (*Choose file...*).
- We use `::before` to generate and position the *Browse* button.
- We declare a `height` on the `<input>` for proper spacing for surrounding content.

In other words, it's an entirely custom element, all generated via CSS.

#### Translating or customizing the strings

The [`:lang()` pseudo-class](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/:lang) is used to allow for easy translation of the "Browse" and "Choose file..." text into other languages. Simply override or add entries to the `$custom-file-text` SCSS variable with the relevant [language tag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IETF_language_tag) and localized strings. The English strings can be customized the same way. For example, here's how one might add a Spanish translation (Spanish's language code is `es`):

{% highlight scss %}
$custom-file-text: (
  placeholder: (
    en: "Choose file...",
    es: "Seleccionar archivo..."
  ),
  button-label: (
    en: "Browse",
    es: "Navegar"
  )
);
{% endhighlight %}

You'll need to set the language of your document (or subtree thereof) correctly in order for the correct text to be shown. This can be done using [the `lang` attribute](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML/Global_attributes/lang) or the [`Content-Language` HTTP header](https://www.w3.org/Protocols/rfc2616/rfc2616-sec14.html#sec14.12), among other methods.