Understanding the Difference Between Checkboxes and Radio Buttons in BoldSign: When and How to Use Them 

When creating a signature request, you may need to capture more than just a signature. In some cases, you may need signers make a few choices or indicate acknowledgement. Using radio buttons and checkboxes in document creation enables senders to collect this input, whether it’s a single selection or multiple options within a single field.

Choose between checkboxes and radio buttons based on the type of information you need. Decide whether the field is optional or required, and whether signers should select one or multiple options. If multiple selections are allowed, specify whether there’s a minimum, maximum, or exact number of choices that need to be marked.

This blog explains the differences between checkboxes and radio buttons, when to use each, and how to add them to your BoldSign documents.

Checkboxes

A checkbox is a form field that allows signers to select one or more options from a list. Checkboxes are therefore useful when signers need to choose more than one option, such as selecting multiple services or preferences. If the options are not mandatory, checkboxes allow the signer to leave them blank if desired.

Senders can include either a single checkbox or a group of checkboxes in their documents, and these can be configured as required or optional. Validation rules can be applied to checkbox groups to enforce specific selection requirements, such as a minimum or maximum number of selections, or an exact number (absolute). These rules ensure the recipient’s answers meet the necessary criteria, such as marking a checkbox to indicate explicit agreement.

Radio Buttons

A radio button field allows signers to choose only one option from a list of choices, making it ideal for scenarios where only one option is needed. Once a radio button is selected, it can only be deselected by choosing another radio button option. To prevent unintentionally forcing the signer into a choice or agreement, always include at least two radio buttons.

Radio buttons are best when the signer needs to make a single, exclusive choice. For example, when choosing between Yes or No or selecting a preferred payment method from multiple options.

Creating Documents with Checkbox and Radio Button Fields

With BoldSign, creating a signature request with checkbox and radio button fields is easy. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your BoldSign account or create a new one.
   
2. Click Create New and select Create New Document.
   
3. You will be directed to the Prepare Document for Signing page. In the Add Files section, upload the document you want signed. In the Add Recipients section, specify the names and email addresses of those who need to sign.
4. Click Next to proceed to the Configure Fields page.
   
5. On the Configure Fields page, you can set up the form fields for the document.

Setting Up Radio Buttons

1. Add the radio button field to the required section. The radio button settings will appear on the right side of the screen. By default, the radio button field is marked as required, ensuring it cannot be skipped by the signer.
2. Click Add Radio Button to add the necessary number of radio button options. Once a radio button is selected, it cannot be unselected during the signing process.
   

Setting up Checkboxes

1. Add the checkbox field to the required section and proceed to its settings.
2. Click Add Checkbox to add the required number of checkboxes.
3. Assign each checkbox to an option in the document.
   
4. If you want to restrict the number of options the signer can select, BoldSign allows you to validate checkbox selections within a group. Go to the Choose Validation Type section, set the validation type, and specify the number of checkboxes that can be selected.
   
5. Finally, click Send to send the document for signature.
   

Conclusion

Thank you for reading our guide on using checkboxes and radio buttons in BoldSign. We hope this has helped you understand their differences and how to use them effectively in your documents.

Try incorporating these fields into your forms to collect the acknowledgements and information you need. If you haven’t yet tried BoldSign, start your 30-day free trial  today. Your feedback is invaluable to us, so please share your thoughts in the comments. If you require assistance or wish to explore our services further, consider scheduling a demo or reaching out to our dedicated support team through our support portal.

Yvone Atieno Odhiambo

Technical Writer

Yvone is a Technical Assistant at BoldSign who specializes in creating clear documentation and engaging videos. She combines her technical skills and creativity to deliver user-focused solutions.