# Element Traits

Element traits allow you to identify or filter UI components based on their inherent characteristics, physical properties, or functional roles. These are especially useful when text or IDs are absent, or when you need to target generic elements like icons or containers based on their shape.

### **Overview**

| **Trait**           | **Description**                                                       |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `traits: text`      | Selects any element that contains any text or accessibility label.    |
| `traits: long-text` | Selects an element containing at least 200 characters.                |
| `traits: square`    | Selects an element where the width and height differ by less than 3%. |

### `traits: text`

This trait is a broad filter that matches any element that contains some text. You can use it when you want to interact with a container or a button that is guaranteed to have a label, regardless of what that specific label says.

```yaml
# Taps the first element it finds that contains any text
- tapOn:
    traits: text
```

### `traits: long-text`

Maestro specifically identifies blocks of text that are longer than 200 characters. This is useful for identifying article bodies, terms and conditions screens, or long descriptions without needing to match the specific content.

```yaml
# Asserts that a long description block is visible on the page
- assertVisible:
    traits: long-text
```

{% hint style="success" %}

#### Usage tips

Use `traits: long-text` to ensure that dynamic content (like a news feed) has actually loaded and isn't just showing an empty state.
{% endhint %}

#### `traits: square`

This is a physical trait used to identify elements based on their aspect ratio. Icons, profile pictures, and many action buttons are designed as perfect squares. If an element's width and height are within 3% of each other, Maestro identifies it as a square.

```yaml
# Taps a square icon located to the right of the "Home" text
- tapOn:
    traits: square
    rightOf: Home
```