# Entering data

Source: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/entering-data
Skill: hig-patterns
Snapshot: 2025-02-02

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> **Source**: Apple Inc. Canonical content at https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/entering-data.
> This file is a structured index of that content, snapshot 2025-02-02.
> Apple HIG text and imagery are © Apple Inc.; this repository provides organization and cross-referencing for AI agent consumption only.

# Entering data

  * Pre-gathering as much information as possible to minimize the amount of data that people need to supply

  * Supporting all available input methods so people can choose the method that works for them

## Best practices

**Get information from the system whenever possible.**

**Be clear about the data you need.**

**Use a secure text-entry field when appropriate.**

**Never prepopulate a password field.**

**When possible, offer choices instead of requiring text entry.**

**As much as possible, let people provide data by dragging and dropping it or by pasting it.**

**Dynamically validate field values.**

**When data entry is necessary, make sure people understand that they must provide the required data before they can proceed.**

## Platform considerations

### macOS

**Consider using an expansion tooltip to show the full version of clipped or truncated text in a field.**

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For the complete guidance, including worked examples and illustrations, see the canonical page: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/entering-data