Readonly vs disabled
readonly-vs-disabled
Disabled = field exists but is unavailable. If the value must still be shown and copied, use read-only, not disabled.
Description
Spectrum separates disabled from read-only: disabled means the field exists but is unavailable, while read-only keeps a value on screen so users can still read and copy it. Putting a must-copy value in a disabled field blocks selection and fails the split. Use disabled for unavailable inputs; switch to read-only whenever the content still matters after interaction is locked.
When to use
Deciding whether a shown value must stay copyable or the field is unavailable.
Not when
Truly unavailable fields with no value users need to read or copy.
Agent hint
Use read-only when the value must stay visible and copyable; disable only if unavailable.
Unavailable fields are disabled. Values that must remain visible and copyable are read-only.
A value that must be copied is in a disabled field.
Citations
Spectrum — Text field
https://spectrum.adobe.com/page/text-field/