Check boxes

Usage

Check boxes are used to select one or more items in a table (list view) or input column.

Note: Shuttle lists and multiselect drop-down lists also allow users to select more than one option.

Use check boxes when users:

  • Need to select one or more table rows in order to take a specific action on that row such as assigning a task. Unlike Select buttons, check boxes are passive selections waiting for an action to be applied such as a user clicking the Assign button shown in the following screen shot.
    Activities screen with list of activities and Assign button.
  • Are able to select one or multiple items from a list.

    Search Accounts screen with multiple check boxes.

PCF elements

Primary function

  • Check Box
  • Check Box Group
  • Type Key Check Box Group

Secondary function

  • Input Group
  • Iterators

Best Practices

Check boxes as Inputs

  • If the label is a complete sentence, use sentence case.

    Search Accounts screen with the following check box labels in sentence case: First name is an exact match, Last name is an exact match, Company name is an exact match.
  • Make it easy for users to decide whether they need to check the box by:
    • Using short, clearly-worded labels.
    • Avoiding negative language. For example, when referring to the main contact for a claim it is better to use the label Same as Reporter rather than Not the Same as Reporter.

Boolean values

  • Check boxes are better for opt-in choices.
  • They do not work well for required choices or choices with an either/or (boolean) decision process. In these cases, avoid check boxes in favor of radio buttons and drop-down lists where users can see the two choices.