Adding Selection fields

The following section describes how to add Single Selection and Multiple Selection fields when designing a Form. Selection fields allow users to select one or more options as an answer.

Single Selection fields can be used to ask from users to select one out of two or more options as an answer. This can be a "Yes" or "No" question for example or any other type of question that can be answered with one option.

Multiple Selection fields can be used to allow users to select more than one option as an answer. Make sure you create a different option for every individual potential answer.

Reference fields vs selection fields

Both Reference and Selection fields allow you to create lists of options. However, as these fields serve different purposes, it is important to choose the appropriate type when designing a Form.

A Selection field allows you to create a list of options inside the Form whereas a Reference field references another Form (a 'Reference Form') where each option is another Record. In the second case, as the option is an actual Record, it is possible to include more information about that option (i.e. meta-data or other kind of information) in the referenced Form. You can use as many fields as needed to capture that information and by making them Key fields you can also bring that information into the initial Form (creating the 'cascading effect').

We strongly suggest the following best practices: 

  • Use a Single Selection field to capture a basic list of options that don't require further meta-data or additional information. Examples: age categories, list of options for biological sex, etc.
  • Use a Reference field to link to a Reference Form where you will collect additional information for each option (Record). You expect changes to occur on that data (data is described as dynamic rather than static) and you need to link to these options in many Forms in your Database in a consistent way. Examples: partner organizations, list of institutions/entities, etc.

 

  • Maximum number of options per Single/Multiple Selection field: 100 options
  • Maximum number of options in total for all Single/Multiple Selection field in a Form: 1000 options
How to add a Single Selection field
  • In the Form Design page, click on "Single selection" to select the field from the Fields palette.

Fill in the Properties of the Single Selection field by providing:

  • Label: type the question for which the user will select an option
  • Description: optionally provide a description
  • Code: optionally provide a code

In the Settings check the boxes you want to apply for the field.

  • In the Options section, type in the first option.
  • Click on "Add option" to add more options and repeat to add as many options as needed. To delete an option, click on "Delete" next to its name.
  • Click on "Done" to add the field.
  • The Single Selection field has been added to the Form.
  • When you finish adding fields, click on "Save" to save the Form.
  • Users will be able to provide one answer to the Single Selection field when they are adding Records.
How to add a Multiple Selection field
  • In the Form Design page, click on "Multiple selection" to select the field from the Fields palette.

Fill in the Properties of the Multiple Selection field by providing:

  • Label: type the question for which the User will select one or more options
  • Description: optionally provide a description
  • Code: optionally provide a code

In the Settings check the boxes you want to apply for the field.

  • In the Options section, type in the first option.
  • Click on "Add option" to add more options and repeat to add as many options as needed. To delete an option, click on "Delete" next to its name.
  • If you are using Relevance rules make sure you set the correct Relevance rules.
  • When the field is ready, click on "Done" to add it.

In this example we are using relevance rules but this is optional for your Form. Learn more about Adding Relevance rules.

  • The Multiple Selection field has been added to the Form.
  • When you finish adding fields, click on "Save" to save the Form.
  • Users will be able to provide one or more answers to the Multiple Selection field when they are adding Records (if the Relevance rule is met).