This time we want to talk to you about the differences between drop-downs, radio buttons and check boxes, so you can choose the right type of field for your registration form.

You use these type of fields when you have a multiple-choice question. For example:

Ticket type

Single ticket

Discounted ticket

Double ticket

Vacation destination

Tel-Aviv

The Dead Sea

Eilat

Workshops

First workshop: 10:00-11:00

Second workshop: 11:00-12:00

Third workshop: 12:00-13:00

The type of field we use in each of these cases depends on two questions

The first is whether your registrants should choose only one option, or multiple answers. If there is only one answer, we will use the drop-down field or the radio buttons. However, If you want to allow them to select more than one answer, check boxes are the way to go.

The second question is whether you want the different options to be visable at all times, or only once you click on the field. If you want the list to be visible regularly, you need to select radio buttons, but If you want the list to show only when you click on the field (for aesthetic reasons, for example), then you need to create a drop-down field.

Properties that are common to all these fields

  • Price setting – You can set a different price for each possible answer (e.g., while a vacation in Tel Aviv will cost 300$, the a vacation in the Dead Sea will cost 400$).
  • Inventory – You can either specify a total inventory for the entire field (for example, only 40 people can sign up for the workshops), or set an inventory for specific options (25 people can sign up for the first workshop, and 30 for the second workshop).

A unique feature of the radio buttons and check boxes

In these type of fields (only) you can add images for each of the available options. The pictures enhance the form’s visibility and increase the attractiveness of the options – we strongly recommend using this feature!

registration form

To make everything clear, here is a summary of all the fields’ properties

Drop-down

Multiple-choice question

You can only choose 1 answer

Hidden choices

You can set prices and an inventory

No pictures

registration form

Radio buttons

Multiple-choice question

You can only choose 1 answer

Visible choices

You can set prices and an inventory

 You can add pictures to the choices

registration form

Check box

Multiple-choice question

You can choose more than 1 answer

Visible choices

You can set prices and an inventory

 You can add pictures to the choices

registration form

Did you know? Radio buttons were named after the station buttons of old radios, where in order to select a station you needed to press a button. When one button was pressed, the others were released, same at the radio buttons on our registration forms today.

Well, we think we told you everything you need to know about drop-downs, radio buttons and check boxes. If something still isn’t clear or you just want to consult with us – We are here for you!