What is lorem ipsum, and how to generate it
Updated 21 October 2026
Tool for this guide: Lorem ipsum generator
Short answer: lorem ipsum is scrambled Latin used as placeholder text since the 1500s. It looks like real writing but can't be read, so people judge a design by its layout, not its words. Make as much as you need with the lorem ipsum generator.
Where it comes from
It's based on a passage of Cicero's De finibus bonorum et malorum, written in 45 BC. Words were cut and changed over the centuries, so it no longer means anything. The familiar opening is "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet".
How much to generate
| You're filling | Generate |
|---|---|
| A page or article layout | 3–5 paragraphs |
| Cards, teasers and short blocks | 1–3 sentences |
| Headings and buttons | An exact number of words |
Step by step
- Open the lorem ipsum generator.
- Choose paragraphs, sentences or words, and how many.
- Pick plain text or HTML (each paragraph wrapped in
<p>tags), and whether to start with "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet". - Copy it.
Placeholder text tips
- Replace it before publishing. Placeholder text left on a live page looks unfinished and hurts search rankings.
- Use realistic lengths. If real headlines will be 60 characters, test with 60. Check with the word counter.
- Test real content early for buttons and navigation, where wording affects the layout.
Questions
Is lorem ipsum real Latin?
Partly. It's based on Cicero's writing, but words were cut and changed, so it doesn't mean anything.
Can I use it in commercial work?
Yes. It's free to use anywhere.
Try it now
Make placeholder text for designs and layouts. Choose how many paragraphs, sentences or words, and copy it as text or HTML.
Open lorem ipsum generator