Tooltips

Introduction to Tooltips

Have you ever hovered over a button or icon and seen a small box with extra information pop up? That’s a tooltip. Tooltips help users understand features without cluttering the screen. They offer quick hints or explanations when you need them most.

In today’s digital world, tooltips improve usability and guide users smoothly through apps and websites. Whether you build with no-code tools like Bubble or Glide, or develop custom apps, understanding tooltips is key to better design.

What Are Tooltips?

Tooltips are small, interactive text boxes that appear when users hover over, focus on, or tap an element. They provide extra information about buttons, icons, or features without taking up permanent space on the screen.

They usually appear near the element and disappear once the user moves away. Tooltips help clarify unclear icons, explain form fields, or offer tips for using a feature.

• Appear on hover, focus, or tap
• Contain brief, helpful text
• Disappear automatically
• Improve user understanding

For example, in Glide apps, tooltips can explain what a button does before users click it. This reduces confusion and improves user confidence.

Why Use Tooltips?

Tooltips enhance user experience by providing context-sensitive help. They keep interfaces clean while offering guidance exactly when needed. This reduces frustration and speeds up learning.

Here are key benefits:

• Clarity: Explain icons or buttons without extra text clutter.
• Efficiency: Help users complete tasks faster with quick tips.
• Accessibility: Assist users with disabilities by providing keyboard focus tooltips.
• Engagement: Encourage exploration by revealing hidden features.

For instance, Zapier uses tooltips to explain complex automation steps, helping users build workflows confidently.

How to Create Tooltips

Creating tooltips depends on your platform. No-code and low-code tools make it easy without coding.

Common steps include:

• Select the element to attach the tooltip.
• Write concise, clear tooltip text.
• Choose when the tooltip appears (hover, focus, tap).
• Customize style and position for visibility.

In Bubble, you can add a group that appears on hover with text inside. Glide offers built-in tooltip options for components. FlutterFlow lets you add tooltips to buttons with simple settings.

Remember to keep tooltips short and useful. Avoid overwhelming users with too much info.

Best Practices for Tooltips

To make tooltips effective, follow these tips:

• Keep it brief: Use simple language and short sentences.
• Be relevant: Only show tooltips where users might need help.
• Ensure visibility: Position tooltips so they don’t get cut off or hidden.
• Support accessibility: Make tooltips keyboard and screen reader friendly.
• Use consistent style: Match tooltip design with your app’s look.

For example, Make (formerly Integromat) uses consistent tooltip styles that appear on hover and focus, helping users understand automation modules clearly.

Common Use Cases for Tooltips

Tooltips are versatile and appear in many scenarios:

• Form fields: Explain input requirements or formats.
• Icons and buttons: Clarify actions or meanings.
• Charts and graphs: Show data details on hover.
• Navigation menus: Describe hidden or complex options.
• Feature tours: Guide new users through app functions.

For example, in FlutterFlow, tooltips help new users understand complex UI elements during onboarding, improving retention.

Conclusion

Tooltips are simple yet powerful tools to improve user experience. They provide helpful hints without cluttering your interface. Whether you build apps with no-code platforms or custom code, tooltips guide users smoothly.

By following best practices and using tooltips thoughtfully, you can reduce confusion, speed up learning, and make your app more accessible. Start adding tooltips today to create clearer, friendlier digital experiences.