Purpose
A check box is a control that permits the user to make multiple selections from a number of options. Check boxes are used to toggle an option on or off, or to select or deselect an item. Users make a decision between two clearly opposite choices (on (vs. off), apply (vs. don't apply), show (vs. hide). etc.).
Examples
to be done
Guidelines
How to use
- Use check boxes for non-exclusive options that have clear alternatives. Mutually exclusive options should use a set of radio buttons or a combo box.
- Don't use a check box if the opposite is ambiguous.
- Don't use a check box for more than 10 options, use a list.
- Don't use the selection to perform commands or to dynamically display other controls and windows.
- Checking a check box should always "enable" an option or change the state of an option to "on". Checking a negative or disabling option is a double negative and causes confusion and errors.
Mixed state
- Use the mixed state only to indicate that an option is set for some, but not all, child objects. Mixed state must not be used to represent a third state.
- Users must not be able to set a mixed state directly.
- Clicking a mixed state check box enables all child objects.
Appearance
Code snippets
to be done
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