Character count fieldset legend
character-count-fieldset-legend
Character count when a limit is justified; consider word count if more helpful; fieldset+legend to group related controls. (Also named, merged here: break a hard open question into radios instead of one textarea.)
Description
When a length limit is justified, show a character count—or a word count if that helps more. Related controls belong in a fieldset with a legend so the group reads as one question. A hard open question that is really a closed choice should become radios instead of one textarea. Fail for an unjustified limit with no count, ungrouped related controls, or a closed choice dumped into a free-text area.
When to use
Adding a justified length limit or grouping related form controls together.
Not when
Not for unjustified caps, or unrelated fields that should stay separate.
Agent hint
Show a justified count; group related controls with fieldset and legend.
A justified limit uses a character count (or word count if that is more helpful). Related controls are grouped with fieldset and legend. A hard open question is radios rather than one textarea when that split applies.
Unjustified limit with no count; related controls ungrouped; a hard closed choice dumped into a textarea.
Citations
GOV.UK Design System — Character count; GOV.UK Design System — Fieldset
https://design-system.service.gov.uk/components/character-count/