# Input Masks

An input mask automatically formats what a user types as they type it. Masks make data entry faster and more consistent. For example formatting a phone number as `(555) 123-4567` while the user types `5551234567`.

Masks are available on **Text**, **Telephone**, and **Number** fields. Find the **Input Mask** option in the field's settings panel in the form builder.

## Using a Preset

Click the {{icon:bolt size-4 inline-block align-text-center}} button next to the Input Mask field to switch to preset mode. Two presets are available:

- **Telephone** — formats numbers as `(999) 999-9999` (US-style).
- **Money** — formats values as currency (e.g. `$1,234.56`) and is the recommended choice for Number fields that collect dollar amounts.

## Writing a Custom Mask

Type a mask pattern directly into the **Input Mask** field. Use these tokens:

| Token | Matches |
|-------|---------|
| `9` | Any digit (`0`–`9`) |
| `a` | Any letter (`A`–`Z`, `a`–`z`) |
| `*` | Any digit or letter |
| `\` | Escapes the next character so it is treated as a literal |

Anything else in the pattern (parentheses, dashes, spaces, slashes, etc.) is shown to the user as-is.

## Examples

| Field | Mask |
|-------|------|
| US phone number | `(999) 999-9999` |
| Social Security Number | `999-99-9999` |
| ZIP+4 | `99999-9999` |
| Canadian postal code | `a9a 9a9` |
| Date (US) | `99/99/9999` |
| License plate | `aaa-9999` |
| Credit card | `9999 9999 9999 9999` |

## Tips

- Masks change how data is **displayed** as the user types — they do not validate the value. Pair a mask with [Input Rules](/docs/forms/input-rules) when you need to enforce a specific format on submission.
- For phone fields, the Telephone preset already wires up matching validation behind the scenes.
- If users frequently paste data into a masked field, test that the paste behavior produces the format you want.

## Related

- [Input Rules](/docs/forms/input-rules) — server-side validation for field values
- [Form Validation](/docs/forms/validation) — overview of all validation options
- [Field Types](/docs/forms/field-types) — which fields support masks