Tooltip

A tooltip is in-app messaging used to identify elements on a page with short, clarifying text.

For information on other forms of on-screen help, see Popover and Hint.

Usage

Use tooltips to:

• Provide labels for unlabeled icons.

• Provide additional information on a data point or element in a chart or table.

• Define new or unfamiliar UI elements that aren’t described directly in the user interface. For example, you can use a tooltip on a disabled button.

Tooltip delay on hover

By default, tooltips have a 300ms entry delay when hovering over an object. Although this is the recommended delay time, you may customize it via prop. For example, if you have a tooltip on an icon, and you would like for it to appear immediately on hover, you may set the delay to 0 ms.

Tooltips versus popovers

Both tooltips and popovers provide more information in context for users. However, they’re different in a few ways:

• Tooltips are used for identification purposes, while popovers are used for added description or information in context.
• Tooltips contain short descriptions or labels, while popovers contain longer descriptions, formatted text, and optional images or links.
• Tooltips appear on hover, while popovers appear on click.

Content

• Keep your tooltips clear and concise. Use the fewest number of words without sacrificing meaning.
• If the tooltip is a full sentence, include a period at the end. If the tooltip is a fragment, do not include a period at the end.
• Use tooltips for additional information. Don’t use tooltips for information critical to a user completing a task, such as password character requirements.
• Tooltips should provide new and valuable information. Never use a tooltip to repeat information already available in the UI.
• Don’t use tooltips with question-circle icons to present contextual information in forms and other areas. Instead, use a popover.

Accessibility

Every time a user with a screen reader tabs into a field with a tooltip, the screen reader reads the tooltip aloud.