Migration from CSS TextBox to Angular TextBox component

21 Aug 20253 minutes to read

The Angular TextBox component provides a more powerful and feature-rich alternative to CSS-based TextBox implementations. This migration guide helps you transition from CSS TextBox to the Angular TextBox component, which offers enhanced functionality including floating labels, built-in validation, clear button support, and better accessibility.

From v16.3.21 version, the TextBox is provided as Angular component to achieve floating label TextBox with minimal code. You can find the available TextBox properties, methods, and events in the API reference.

Benefits of migration

Migrating to the Angular TextBox component provides several advantages:

  • Simplified implementation: Achieve floating labels and validation with minimal code
  • Built-in functionality: Clear button, validation states, and accessibility features are included
  • Consistent styling: Automatic theme support and consistent appearance across applications
  • Better maintenance: Declarative syntax reduces custom JavaScript requirements
  • Enhanced accessibility: Built-in ARIA attributes and keyboard navigation support

Migration comparison

The following tables show the code differences between CSS TextBox and Angular TextBox component implementations.

Normal TextBox

Feature CSS TextBox Angular TextBox component
Basic TextBox <div class='e-input-group'>
<input class='e-input' type='text' placeholder='Enter Value'/>
</div> 		<ejs-textbox id="default" placeholder="Enter Value" floatLabelType="Never"></ejs-textbox>
TextBox with clear button <div class='e-input-group'>
<input class='e-input' placeholder='Enter Value' required='true'>
<span class='e-clear-icon'></span>
</div>

Note: Custom JavaScript required for clear functionality.		 <ejs-textbox id="clear-input" placeholder="Enter Value" floatLabelType="Never" [showClearButton]="true"></ejs-textbox>
Validation states <div class='e-input-group e-error'>
<input class='e-input' type='text' placeholder='Enter Value' />
</div>

Note: Supports success, warning, and error validation states.		 <ejs-textbox id="validation" placeholder="Enter Value" floatLabelType="Never" cssClass="e-error"></ejs-textbox>

Floating label TextBox

Feature CSS TextBox Angular TextBox component
Basic floating label <div class='e-float-input'>
<input type='text' required />
<span class='e-float-line'></span>
<label class='e-float-text'>Enter Value</label>
</div> 		<ejs-textbox id="default" placeholder="Enter Value" floatLabelType="Auto"></ejs-textbox>
Floating label with clear button <div class='e-float-input e-input-group'>
<input type='text' required value='Clear Input' />
<span class='e-float-line'></span>
<label class='e-float-text'>Enter Value</label>
<span class='e-clear-icon'></span>
</div>

Note: Custom JavaScript required for clear functionality.		 <ejs-textbox id="clear-input" placeholder="Enter Value" floatLabelType="Auto" [showClearButton]="true"></ejs-textbox>
Floating label with validation <div class='e-float-input e-error'>
<input type='text' required />
<span class='e-float-line'></span>
<label class='e-float-text'>Enter Value</label>
</div>

Note: Supports success, warning, and error validation states.		 <ejs-textbox id="validation" placeholder="Enter Value" floatLabelType="Auto" cssClass="e-error"></ejs-textbox>

Migration checklist

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth migration:

  1. Install dependencies: Ensure the @syncfusion/ej2-angular-inputs package is installed
  2. Import TextBox module: Add TextBoxModule to your Angular module imports
  3. Replace HTML markup: Convert CSS-based markup to Angular TextBox component syntax
  4. Remove custom JavaScript: Delete any custom clear button or validation logic
  5. Update styling: Replace CSS classes with component properties where applicable
  6. Test functionality: Verify that floating labels, validation, and clear button work correctly

Key differences

  • Markup simplification: Single component tag replaces multiple HTML elements
  • Property-based configuration: Use Angular properties instead of CSS classes for functionality
  • Built-in event handling: Clear button and validation work automatically
  • Accessibility: ARIA attributes and keyboard navigation are included by default

Next steps

After migration, explore additional TextBox features:

  • Icons: Add prefix and suffix icons using the addIcon method
  • Multiline support: Use multiline property for textarea functionality
  • Custom validation: Implement form validation with Angular reactive forms
  • Theming: Apply custom themes and CSS customizations

For complete implementation examples and advanced features, refer to the TextBox component documentation.