#551·clack

Add footer option to select-like prompts

Author: aqeelatCreated Jun 3, 2026Updated Jun 3, 2026

Context

This came up while evaluating @clack/prompts as a potential replacement for enquirer.js, comparing it with enquirer.js and @inquirer/prompts.

Split out from: #550

Problem

There is no way to render instructional text below the options list.

For example:

txt
Choose packages to update

◻ package-a
◻ package-b
◻ package-c

Enter to start updating. Ctrl-c to cancel.

The current workaround is to include this text in the prompt message, but that places the instructions above the list rather than below it.

Proposal

Add a footer option to select-like prompts, initially select, multiselect, groupMultiselect, and possibly autocomplete:

typescript
const selected = await multiselect({
  message: 'Choose packages to update',
  footer: 'Enter to start updating. Ctrl-c to cancel.',
  options: [...],
})

The footer should render below the options list and update consistently as the prompt re-renders.