Character limiter for textarea boxes. Keeps character count from going over a set limit, even if pasting text in. Might need jquery to work. Not sure.

gistfile1.js

<script language="JavaScript">
function limiter( event, field, limit ) {
  backspace = 8;
	del = 46;
	tab = 9;
	if( !event ) event = window.event;
	key = ( event.which ? event.which : event.keyCode );
	//display_field.innerHTML += String.fromCharCode(key);

	field_text = field.value;
	if( field_text.length >= limit && key != backspace && key != del && key != tab && !( key >= 37 && key <= 40 ) ) {
		trim_text( field, limit );
		return false;
	}
}

function trim_text( field, limit ) {
	field_text = field.value;
	if( field_text.length > limit ) {
		field_text = field_text.substr( 0, limit );
		field.value = field_text;
	}
}

function update_limit_display( field, limit, display ) {
	display_field = document.getElementById( display );
	field_text = field.value;
	if( field_text.length == 0 ) display_field.innerHTML = limit + " character(s) remaining.";
	else if( field_text.length >= limit ) display_field.innerHTML = "0 character(s) remaining.";
	else display_field.innerHTML = ( limit - field_text.length ) + " character(s) remaining.";
}
</script>

<p><label for="dietRestrictions">List any restrictions regarding food and diet.</label><br />
<textarea name="dietRestrictions" rows="5" style="width:575px;" onkeypress="return limiter( event, this, 1000 );" onkeyup="trim_text( this, 1000 ); update_limit_display( this, 1000, 'limit_dietRestrictions' );" onchange="trim_text( this, 1000 );"></textarea><br />
<span id="limit_dietRestrictions">1000 character(s) remaining.</span></p>

<p><label for="allergies">Specify any health problems, allergies or disabilities.</label><br />
<textarea name="allergies" rows="5" style="width:575px;" onkeypress="return limiter( event, this, 1000 );" onkeyup="trim_text( this, 1000 ); update_limit_display( this, 1000, 'limit_allergies' );" onchange="trim_text( this, 1000 );"></textarea><br />
<span id="limit_allergies">1000 character(s) remaining.</span></p>