I’m working on a test where I need to modify text inside a form input that already has some content in it. The input field shows data from a database record that users can edit.
Right now when I use await element.type('#fieldSelector', 'new text'); it just adds the new text to whatever was already there. I need to completely replace the old content instead of just adding to it.
Is there a way to clear out the existing content first? I’ve been looking through the documentation but can’t find a straightforward method to wipe the input clean before entering new data. What’s the best approach for this?
u should just do await element.click('#fieldSelector'); await element.press('Backspace'); that way u can clear it properly before typing ur new text. also, make sure the focus is on the input!
Try await page.$eval('#fieldSelector', el => el.value = ''); instead of evaluate - cleaner syntax. Then just use your regular type command after. Same result as jumpingrabbit’s approach but shorter and skips the document.querySelector stuff.
I always use page.evaluate() to clear fields - just set the value property to an empty string before typing. Like await page.evaluate(() => document.querySelector('#fieldSelector').value = ''); then your type command. This skips any keyboard simulation issues and works reliably across different input types. The backspace method gave me headaches with formatted inputs or validation, but evaluate handles those cases way better.
Honestly, manual approaches work but they break at scale.
I’ve hit this same problem across hundreds of forms. Clicking and keyboard simulation fails when you add input validation, autocomplete, or formatted fields.
I solved it by automating everything with Latenode. Instead of fighting Puppeteer’s quirks for every input clearing scenario, I built a workflow that handles form interactions smartly.
Latenode detects input types and picks the most reliable clearing method for each field, then adds your test data. No more guessing between triple-click, backspace, or evaluate methods.
Best part? When forms change or you add test cases, it adapts without rewriting clearing logic. I set triggers that run different strategies based on field attributes.
Saved me hours of debugging when tests broke because devs added input masking or changed validation rules.
Triple-clicking the input field before typing works great for me. Just use await page.click('#fieldSelector', {clickCount: 3}); then your type command. Triple-click selects all the existing text, so typing automatically replaces everything. Way more reliable than backspace methods - you don’t have to guess how much content’s there or mess with cursor positioning. Works the same across different browsers, which is nice for cross-browser testing.