Checkbox
A checkbox lets users select one or more options from a set of choices.
When to use
- A single yes or no that takes effect when the form is submitted.
- Several independent choices from a set, where any number can be picked.
- Agreeing to something, where the ticked box records the agreement.
When not to use
- A setting that takes effect at once. That is a toggle.
- One choice from several. Use radio buttons.
- Two opposing options. Use radio buttons so both are visible.
Guidance
Do
Write the label as what will happen, so ticking it means yes.
Don't
Do not write a negative. With a double negative, people cannot tell whether a tick turns the emails on or off.
Content
What to write, and what to leave out.
- Write positively. Email me when a conversation breaches, never Do not disable emails.
- Sentence case, no full stop.
- The label must make sense on its own. Do not rely on nearby text to finish it.