> **Source:** https://knowledge.leegality.com/document-execution/template/html-template/formatting-and-editing/checkbox
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---
# Checkboxes

Checkboxes allow signers to select one or more options from a list. Use checkboxes when you need "select all that apply" responses, such as consent forms, service selections, or document acknowledgments.

> **Info — When to Use Checkboxes**
>
> Use checkboxes for multiple-choice selections where signers can pick more than one option. If signers should only pick one option, use **Radio Buttons** instead.

## Create & add checkboxes

1. In the HTML Template editor, place your cursor where you want the checkbox to appear.
2. On the toolbar, click the **Checkbox** icon.
3. The configuration popup will open with two tabs:
   - **Basic tab:** Configure the group name and value for the checkbox
     - **Select Group:** Choose an existing group or create a new one
     - **Group Name:** Name that organises related checkboxes together
     - **Value:** Unique identifier for this specific checkbox option
   - **More Options tab:** Control checkbox behavior
     - **Keep Selected by Default:** Pre-select this checkbox for signers
     - **Make Field Mandatory:** Require signers to interact with this checkbox
4. Configure your checkbox settings (explained in detail in the sections below).
5. Click **OK**.

> **Tip — Label Your Checkboxes**
>
> Always add a text label next to each checkbox in the editor so signers know what they're selecting. Use clear, concise labels that describe the action or choice.

## Organise checkboxes into groups

Grouping helps you organise related checkboxes together. When you create a group, all checkboxes in that group will appear together in the preview and final document.

**Why use groups?**

Think of each group as a single question with multiple checkbox options. For example:

- **Question 1:** "Select the software tools you are proficient in:" → Create a group called `software_skills`
  - Checkboxes: Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Photoshop

- **Question 2:** "Select your preferred communication channels:" → Create a group called `communication_preferences`
  - Checkboxes: Email, Phone, WhatsApp, Slack

When you preview the document, all checkboxes from the same group will appear together under their respective question, making it easy for signers to understand which options belong to which question.

> **Tip — Best Practice**
>
> Create a new group for each question that has multiple checkbox options. This keeps your form organised and makes it easier for signers to fill out.

### Add to a new group

When creating checkboxes for a new question:

1. Open the Checkbox configuration popup.
2. In the **Basic** tab, ensure **New group** is selected in the **Select Group** dropdown.
3. In the **Group Name** field, enter a unique identifier (e.g., `software_skills`, `contact_preferences`).
4. In the **Value** field, enter a unique identifier for this specific checkbox (e.g., `excel`, `powerpoint`).
5. Click **OK**.

> **Info — About the Value Field**
>
> The **Value** field is for your internal tracking and database purposes. It will not be visible to signers on the final PDF. Use clear, descriptive values that help you identify responses later.

**Example:**

For the question "Select the software tools you are proficient in:":
- Group Name: `software_skills`
- Values: `excel`, `powerpoint`, `word`, `photoshop`

### Add to an existing group

When adding more checkbox options to the same question:

1. Open the Checkbox configuration popup.
2. In the **Basic** tab, select your existing group from the **Select Group** dropdown.
3. The **Group Name** field will auto-populate with the selected group name.
4. In the **Value** field, enter a new unique identifier for this checkbox option.
5. Click **OK**.

> **Info — Note**
>
> You can edit the auto-populated group name to create a new group instead. The new name will be added to the **Select Group** dropdown for future use.

**Example:**

For the question "Select your preferred communication channels:":
- Group Name: `communication_preferences`
- Values: `email`, `phone`, `whatsapp`, `slack`

## Customise checkbox behavior

After creating your checkboxes, you can control how they behave when signers open the document. Use the **More Options** tab in the checkbox configuration popup to access these settings.

### Set a default selection

To pre-select a checkbox for signers:

1. Open the Checkbox configuration popup (or right-click an existing checkbox and select **Checkbox properties**).
2. Go to the **More Options** tab.
3. Check the **Keep Selected by Default** box.
4. Click **OK**.

**When to use:**
- Pre-selecting common or recommended options
- Setting default selections in forms
- Highlighting popular choices

> **Info — Note**
>
> Unlike radio buttons, you can set multiple checkboxes in the same group to be selected by default.

### Require a selection (Mandatory)

To make a checkbox mandatory:

1. Open the Checkbox configuration popup (or right-click an existing checkbox and select **Checkbox properties**).
2. Go to the **More Options** tab.
3. Check the **Make Field Mandatory** box.
4. Click **OK**.

Signers will be unable to complete the document until they interact with this checkbox.

**When to use:**
- Required consent forms
- Mandatory acknowledgments (e.g., "I have read the terms and conditions")
- Critical selections that cannot be skipped

## Manage & edit checkboxes

After placing checkboxes in your template, you can modify, move, or duplicate them as needed.

### Change checkbox properties

To edit an existing checkbox:

1. **Right-click** on the checkbox inside the editor.
2. Select **Checkbox properties** from the menu.
3. Modify the group name, value, default state, or mandatory settings in the popup.
4. Click **OK** to save your changes.

> **Info — Note**
>
> All the original settings (group, value, default state, and mandatory settings) will be visible and editable when you access Checkbox properties.

### Move or duplicate a checkbox

To move or copy a checkbox to a different location:

1. Select the checkbox you want to perform the action.
2. **Right-click** the checkbox.
3. Select **Cut** (to move) or **Copy** (to duplicate).
4. Move your cursor to the new location.
5. **Right-click** and select **Paste**.

## Preview your checkboxes

1. Click **Preview** to view how your template will appear to signers.
2. Test clicking the checkboxes to verify grouping, default selections, and mandatory settings work as expected.
3. Exit preview mode and make any necessary adjustments.

> **Tip**
>
> Always preview your template after creating or modifying checkboxes to ensure they appear and function as expected.