Michael Gaigg: Über UI/UX Design

Design Guidelines: Radio Buttons versus Checkboxes

Design guidelines for checkboxes versus Radio buttons

Users hate formulars, it is work to them. Filling out forms on the web is no different, that's why getting web form design right is difficult, even simple forms can be challenging.

A good start is using the correct form element, or in the words of this blog entry to know when to use Radio Buttons versus Checkboxes:

General Design Guidelines

1. Use standard visual representations
2. Visually present groups of choices as groups (e.g. use subheads)
3. Lay out your lists vertically with one choice per line
4. Use positive and active wording for checkbox labels
5. If possible, use radio buttons rather than drop-down menus
6. Always offer a default selection for radio button lists
7. Make radio button options comprehensive and clearly distinct
8. Associate each button/box with a label
9. Define accesskeys for frequently used checkboxes and radio buttons
10. Use checkboxes and radio buttons only to change settings, not as action buttons

Radio Buttons

Radio Buttons are used when a list of two or more options is mutually exclusive and the user must select exactly one choice.


<fieldset>
<legend>Gender</legend><br />
<input id="female" type="radio" name="sex" value="female" checked>
<label for="female">Female</label><br />
<input id="male" type="radio" name="sex" value="male">
<label for="male">Male</label><br />
</fieldset>


Checkboxes

Checkboxes are used when a list of options exists where the user may select any number of choices – including zero, one or several.


<fieldset>
<legend>What is your favorite type of salad dressing?</legend><br />
<input id="French" type="checkbox" name="dressing1" value="checkbox">
<label for="French">French</label><br />
<input id="Italian" type="checkbox" name="dressing2" value="checkbox">
<label for="Italian">Italian</label><br />
<input id="Russian" type="checkbox" name="checkbox3" value="checkbox">
<label for="Russian">Blue cheese</label>
</fieldset>


Opt-in Checkbox

A stand-alone checkbox is used for a single option that the user can turn on and off.


<input id="accept" type="checkbox" name="yes" value="checkbox">
<label for="accept">I accept the terms and conditions.</label><br />


References

• Nielsen, J.; Checkboxes vs. Radio Buttons; http://www.useit.com/alertbox/20040927.html

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About Michael Gaigg

Michael Gaigg is a User Interface Expert at ESRI. His expertise includes User-centered Design (UCD), Usability, Accessibility and Section 508, Web Development and Web Design.