Live Preview Edit
Problem summary
The user wants to check how changes in form fields affect an end result as quickly as possible.
Example
Usage
- Use when you want to provide the user with a real-time preview of what he or she is creating
- Use when it is hard for the user to comprehend how the final output will be without having a preview to reference
- Do not use when the input is straightforward and the resulting output does not depend on a specific layout
Solution
Update a live preview of what modifying a form will result in throughout the entire interaction with the form. Instead of waiting for the user to submit the form, the changes are shown immediately in a preview. Each user event of significance results in a browser-side processing.
Rationale
The result is increased interactivity. The user does not need to wait for page reload on a form submit to find out whether data was inputted correctly into the form. The feedback is immediate.
More example images of the 'Live Preview' pattern
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When you add comments to an article at www.interaction-design.org, you can view a live preview of the final comment unfolding before your eyes.
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When you enter your repository name, the field below with your chosen address changes live.
This document is in version 3 and was last updated on Feb 26, 2010 by shankaraj. The original author of the design pattern was Anders. Edit this pattern.
Related information
Collection
Related patterns
- Forgiving Format
- Structured Format
- Fill In The Blanks
- Input Prompt
- Good Defaults
- Captcha
- Inplace Editor
- WYSIWYG
- Live Preview
- Password Strength Meter
- Input Feedback
- Calendar Picker
Related links
Live Preview has 3 comments
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almost 2 years ago
Jasper Kennis
20 Mar 2008
One of the best forms of feedback ánd feed forward there is. It takes away the doubt about the result of what your doing.
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over 1 year ago
PrabhakaranG
24 Jun 2008
Hi Anders Toxboe, you have done a wonderful job here. I like the way it’s presented with the examples & references that you have provided. I have come across some websites, where they publish as if they have founded it, but in this case, you seem to be very honest & intelligent.
Just a clarification, have you ever designed this pattern using JS or something else. I wish you should keep investigating & put your thoughts how we can do this better. By this way you can showcase your creativity to the world.
Wish you all the best.
Warm Regards PrabhakaranG
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over 1 year ago
Anders Toxboe
24 Jun 2008
PrabhakaranG: Thank you for the nice words.
Yes, I have implemented this pattern before using javascript. It’s pretty simple -> add an onchange event listener to an < input > field and use the current value (this.value) to update the contents of another element.