Write form error messages people understand

Template that rewrites form error messages with problem, fix and placement instead of codes. Paste it into an AI tool of your choice, which then rewrites the error messages.

Topic: Apps & prototypes
Type: Template
Level: Beginner
Time: about 10 min

Results depend on the tool, the model and what you enter.

Result preview

Example: written by our editors, not real AI output.

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FormWhich form?

MessagesWhat do you have?

AudienceWho fills it in?

Your prompt

Rewrite the error messages for the following form.
Form: [Form]
Messages: [Messages]
Audience: [Audience]
Approach: 1. List every message with the situation that triggers it. 2. Rewrite each message so it names the problem and the fix in one or two short sentences, in plain words and without blaming the person. 3. Replace codes and technical terms with what the person can do. 4. Say where the message appears: next to the field, above the form or as a notice. 5. Note which entries must be kept after an error so nobody has to type again. 6. Add a hint for screen readers on how the message is announced.
Output: table with situation, old message, new message, placement, plus the notes on kept entries and accessibility.

Take particular care to name the problem and the fix in every message and never blame the person.

Before you answer, check: Are all instructions met? If key information is missing or a placeholder in square brackets is still in the text, ask instead of guessing. Mark assumptions as assumptions.

Rewrite the error messages for the following form.
Form: [Form]
Messages: [Messages]
Audience: [Audience]
Approach: 1. List every message with the situation that triggers it. 2. Rewrite each message so it names the problem and the fix in one or two short sentences, in plain words and without blaming the person. 3. Replace codes and technical terms with what the person can do. 4. Say where the message appears: next to the field, above the form or as a notice. 5. Note which entries must be kept after an error so nobody has to type again. 6. Add a hint for screen readers on how the message is announced.
Output: table with situation, old message, new message, placement, plus the notes on kept entries and accessibility.

Take particular care to name the problem and the fix in every message and never blame the person.

Before you answer, check: Are all instructions met? If key information is missing or a placeholder in square brackets is still in the text, ask instead of guessing. Mark assumptions as assumptions.

This is an instruction for an AI, not the result itself.

Where this prompt works

These AI tools are a good fit for this prompt:

How to use it

Fill in the fields or tap a suggestion. Leave out names, addresses and other personal data.
Copy the finished prompt into an AI tool of your choice.
Show the new messages to someone without context and ask what they would do next. If they cannot say, the fix is missing from the message.

Why does this work?

Many forms are abandoned at the first error, because messages like "invalid input" give no way forward. Short messages with a fix, placed next to the field, save support requests and lost sign-ups.

Tips

Do not reveal in messages whether an email address is already registered if that could expose people; use a neutral wording.

You may use our prompts freely, including at work. Please do not republish them as your own collection. We give no warranty for AI results; check them yourself. Terms of use

Write form error messages people understand

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Your prompt

Where this prompt works

How to use it

Why does this work?

Tips

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