---
title: "Blok Placeholder API — get and set"
description: "Change the empty-block placeholder at runtime; it updates existing blocks in place and applies to blocks created afterward."
source: https://blokeditor.com/docs/placeholder-api/
lastmod: 2026-08-01
---

Framework JavaScript

Interface Placeholder

On this page placeholder.get()

# Placeholder API: change the placeholder at runtime

Read and change the editor-level placeholder — the hint shown on the empty default block — without recreating the editor.

[Edit this page on GitHub](https://github.com/JackUait/blok/blob/main/docs/src/components/api/api-data.ts)

### Reaching the editor instance

The methods below run on the editor you created with new Blok(). They are available once editor.isReady resolves.

TypeScript

```
// You already hold the instance returned by the constructor.
const editor = new Blok({ holder: 'editor' });
await editor.isReady;

// Call any API method on it.
editor.caret.setToLastBlock('end');
```

## Methods

### placeholder.get()

string | false

The current editor placeholder, or false when it is disabled.

When to use

Returns the current placeholder text, or `false` when it is disabled.

TypeScript

```
console.log(editor.placeholder.get()); // 'Type / for commands'
```

### placeholder.set(value)

void

Sets the editor placeholder; updates existing blocks in place and applies to blocks created afterward. Pass false to disable. Available synchronously after construction — pre-ready calls are buffered and replayed.

When to use

Updates existing blocks in place and applies to blocks created afterwards; pass `false` to clear it.

TypeScript

```
const editor = new Blok({ holder: 'blok' });

// Safe before isReady — buffered and replayed once the editor boots
editor.placeholder.set('Write something…');

// Disable it
editor.placeholder.set(false);
```