diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/ae_comp__badge_create_form.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/ae_comp__badge_create_form.svelte
index 6929242f..513b4e7c 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/ae_comp__badge_create_form.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/ae_comp__badge_create_form.svelte
@@ -308,3 +308,18 @@ let step_label = $derived(
         </button>
     </div>
 </form>
+
+<style>
+/* Placeholder text must read as a hint, not as filled content.
+   Tailwind v4 sets placeholder color too dark on light backgrounds.
+   Same fix as ae_comp__badge_print_controls.svelte. */
+form input::placeholder,
+form textarea::placeholder {
+    color: #9ca3af; /* gray-400 */
+    opacity: 1;     /* Firefox: override default 0.54 opacity */
+}
+:global(.dark) form input::placeholder,
+:global(.dark) form textarea::placeholder {
+    color: #6b7280; /* gray-500 in dark mode */
+}
+</style>