Is caret a widely understood word?

A caret is the point that text is in inserted in a text box. Is this known widely? Will the average user (non technical) understand this word?

What other phrase or word should be used to describe the point at which text is inserted?

Solution 1:

A caret is properly the ^ sign which indicates where letters are to be inserted. It's come to mean the point indicated by the blinking vertical bar in on-screen text boxes. But only you can say whether your users will understand the word.

Microsoft uses insertion point. You could also use flashing cursor.

Solution 2:

Wiktionary lists "An indicator, often a blinking line or bar, indicating where the next insertion or other edit will take place" as a sense of caret, and that sense apparently is what you refer to as "the point that text is in inserted in a text box". I think most people, whether technically oriented or not, are unaware of that usage. I imagine a few people per million will know it.

The wiktionary entry continues, "Also called a cursor", and in defining cursor includes senses "A moving icon or other representation of the position of the pointing device" and "An indicator, often a blinking line or bar, indicating where the next insertion or other edit will take place. Also referred to as 'the caret'".