2.1-20 Editing Capabilities During Text Entry

Users should be able to perform simple editing during text entry without having to invoke a separate edit mode.

Additional Information:
While entering text, users should have some capability for text selection (by cursor movement) and deletion (e.g., by use of destructive backspace). The intent of this guideline is not to endorse modeless over moded text editors. In fact, when experienced users perform editing tasks, a moded editor may offer some advantages. However, if a moded editor is provided, users should be able to do some simple editing, such as correcting typographical errors and making simple word changes without having to invoke that editor. When users will compose text on-line, consider providing a modeless editor rather than a moded editor. Modeless editors offer some advantages for text composition, when users will frequently alternate between text entry and editing.