Lotus Notes Basics - Checkboxes and Radio Buttons

The blog entry "Text Fields and Rich Text Fields" explained how you can enter you own content (words, pictures, attachments, etc) when filling out information on a form.  Sometimes instead of entering your own information, you are asked to choose from a predefined list of choices.   This helps keep information consistent, reduces human error (like spelling mistakes), and also might control the workflow of a form.   For example, you may be asked a Yes or No question, and depending on your response, the next question could be different.

The two fields below have the same values.  In each case you can choose Red, Yellow, Blue, or Green.  But can you spot the difference?


The field on the left is called a checkbox, and allows you to select one or more values from the list.

The field on the right is called a radio button, and only allows you to choose one value at a time.  If you click on a second choice, the current one is de-selected.  For example, click on Blue, and Yellow will no longer be selected.

Radio buttons and checkboxes can be displayed in multiple ways, their layout is controlled by the developer of the form.