How-To Guide: Configuring the "Multiple Choice Selector" Field Type in Data Forms

Overview

The "Multiple Choice Selector" is ideal for scenarios where users must choose from a set of predefined options. Its key features include:

• Multi-Selection: Supports multiple or single selections.
• Customizable Input Types: Options can be displayed as:
  • Dropdown with Selectize Plugin.
  • Radio Buttons.
  • Checkboxes.
• JSON Data Storage: Captures selected values in JSON format for easy database integration.

Steps to Configure the Field

Step 1: Select Field Type

1. Navigate to your Data Form.
2. Add a new field or edit an existing one.
3. From the Field Type dropdown, select Multiple Choice Selector.

Step 2: Configure Field Details

1. Field Name: Provide a unique name for the field (e.g., preferred_languages).
2. Field Label: Enter a user-friendly label to display in the form (e.g., "Preferred Languages").
3. Explanation of the Empty Field:
   • Add guidance to users (optional). Example: "Select the languages you are proficient in."
4. Alignment: Choose the field's alignment:
   • Left: Default option.
   • Center or Right: Depending on your form layout.
5. Field Width: Set the width of the field (e.g., 100% width for a full-row layout).

Step 3: Add Options

1. In the Field Options input box, type the available options.

2. Press Enter after each option to add it to the list.

   • Example: For a "Preferred Languages" selector, input:
     • English
     • Spanish
     • French
     • German
       
       
   
   

Step 4: Choose Input Type

The Type of Input dropdown lets you decide how the options are displayed to users. Options include:

Input Type	Description	Example
No	Default dropdown list without additional plugins.
Selectize Plugin	Enhanced dropdown with features like search-as-you-type and autocomplete.
Radio Input	Displays options as radio buttons (only one option can be selected).
Checkbox Input	Displays options as checkboxes (users can select multiple options).

Step 5: Configure Advanced Options

1. Required Field: Check this box if users must select at least one option.
2. Blank on Load: Enable this option to keep the field empty by default until the user selects a value.

Step 6: Save and Test

1. After configuring the field, click SAVE or EDIT FIELD.
2. Test the form:
   • Ensure that the options display correctly based on the chosen input type.
   • Verify that selections are saved as JSON in the destination table.

Example Configuration

Scenario: User selects their preferred programming languages.

Field Details:

• Field Name: preferred_languages
• Field Label: "Preferred Programming Languages"
• Field Options:
  • Python
  • JavaScript
  • Java
  • C++
  • Ruby

Input Type:

• Checkbox Input

Example JSON Output:

["Python", "JavaScript"]

Troubleshooting

Best Practices

1. Use Descriptive Labels:
   • Ensure the Field Label clearly conveys the purpose of the selector.
2. Limit Options:
   • Avoid overloading users with too many options. Aim for clarity and simplicity.
3. Choose the Right Input Type:
   • Use Radio Input for single selections.
   • Use Checkbox Input for multiple selections.
   • Use Selectize Plugin for dynamic or searchable dropdowns.

Summary

The "Multiple Choice Selector" field type is a flexible and user-friendly tool for capturing multiple or single selections in forms. Its ability to save data as JSON makes it ideal for dynamic forms and database integrations.

This guide ensures you can easily configure and test this field type to suit your needs.