GC Design SystemComponents
GC Design System Start to use Page templates overviewBasic page Components overviewAlertBreadcrumbsButtonCardCheckboxesContainerDate inputDate modifiedDetailsError messageError summaryFieldsetFile uploaderFooterGridHeaderHeadingIconInputLanguage toggleLinkNoticePaginationRadiosScreenreader-onlySearchSelectSide navigationSignatureStepperTableTextTextareaTheme and topic menuTop navigation CSS Shortcuts overview Reset styles Responsive layoutState Box sizingContainer sizingDisplayOverflowPositionVisibility FontFont familyFont sizeFont styleFont weightLine heightLink colourLink sizeLink text decorationList styleText alignText colourText overflowText transformWord break MarginPadding Align contentAlign itemsAlign selfFlexFlex directionFlex growFlex shrinkFlex wrapGapGrid columnsGrid rowsJustify contentJustify itemsJustify selfOrderPlace contentPlace itemsPlace self Background colourBorder colourBorder radiusBorder styleBorder width Icon namesIcon sizeImage CursorPointer eventsTransition Styles overviewDesign tokensColourSpacingTypography Contact usGet InvolvedFind a demo

Textarea
<gcds-textarea>

Also called: text box. A textarea is a space to enter long-form information in response to a question or instruction.

Textarea component preview

Take a look at what textareas do to see if they fit the problem you’re solving for.

Problems textareas solve

Use a textarea to collect multi-line information when you’re expecting a person will write:
  • An individual or unique response.
  • To provide space for a long, freeform response.
Note: Only collect information you’re authorized to handle and be sure to safeguard it to Government of Canada standards.
Input for short, single-line responses.
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2026-02-24