is it possible to set an area for it so that the text starts a new line automatically before it gets too wide for the box.

I know overflow allows it to scroll when it leaves the DIV but i mean like if my area is 500px; but i dont want it to go the whole length how can i make this happen (without using padding.

textarea character widths are defined by the cols parameter

I know overflow allows it to scroll when it leaves the DIV but i mean like if my area is 500px;

Are you asking about <textarea> or a sized <div>?

wow, didn't even know there was such a thing as <textarea>.

Im talking about a sized div, and padding moves the background image aswell.

Have no fear, i have come up with a solution, tested it, and it works, thanks anyway.