Differences in Selection Inputs

How FormsPro selection inputs differ

Use the Checkbox, Lookup, Radio, Segmented Button, or Select inputs to create a field where a user selects from a list of options. There are differences between the selection inputs and one input might be better to use in certain instances. Depending on your needs, consider the following when deciding the best type of selection input to use:

Checkbox: Checkboxes are used when more than one option can be selected, and you want all options to be presented. The checkbox is the only input that shows all options on a report. The Show Select All Checkbox option in the Edit Checkbox window determines whether a Select All option appears for a set of checkbox inputs. This allows you to control how the mobile app users can quickly check all boxes, or individually determine whether each is marked. In addition, the Add Field to Last Option option allows you to add a field next to the last checkbox which allows the mobile user to enter additional text or a number about the last option. For example, if your last checkbox is “Other, please specify” you can use this option to add the text right next to the last checkbox.  

Lookup: This option works similarly to a Select input, but the selections appear in a window with an entry field for the tech to search the list for the appropriate entry. This is useful when the list of selections is longer than you’d want to have in a selection list. In addition, you can select more than one option in a lookup. The lookup input is ideal when you have a long list of options.

Radio: Used when you have multiple choices, but only one can be selected. The benefit of using radio buttons over a selection list is that all options are always visible. Radio buttons are great for short lists of options. A good rule of thumb is if there are 7 or fewer options, use radio buttons. The Add Field to Last Option in the Edit Radio window allows you to add a field next to the last radio which allows the mobile user to enter additional text or a number about the last option. For example, if your last radio is “Not Applicable” you can use this option to add the text right next to the last radio.

Segmented Button: Similar to radio buttons, in that you have multiple choices, where when you select one option, then select a different option he first option is unselected. However, unlike a radio button, you can select more than one option, and segmented buttons can have color.

Select: Provides a selection list for the app user to select an answer(s) of a visible list of many. The benefit of using a selection list is that you can use very little space to offer many choices. A select input is excellent for condensing forms to take up less screen space. A good rule of thumb is if there are more than 7 options, use a selection list. The options in your select list should be kept as short as possible, different devices show a different number of limited characters. If longer options are required, use radio buttons or a lookup instead.

Use the (Preview) to see how these options provide a different look and feel to the form.