Checkboxes
A form element that indicates selected values using a check mark. Used to capture selections from predefined values.
Coded Components
Helper classes: Looking for a complete list of helper classes for these components?View helper classes
Redlines: We don't include redline comps because it's always more accurate to use developer tools to inspect the coded components, or a plugin such as the Prism Redline Tool.
Standard Checkboxes
Inline Checkboxes
Checkboxes in Error State
Checkboxes Styled as Cards
No items found.
No items found.
Heading
No items found.
Usage
Used when there is a list of predefined options and the user can select any number of them.
These values should be sorted in an easily scannable order (e.g. alphabetically or by popularity).
By default, a checkbox or list of checkboxes should start unchecked.
Remember to wrap the checkbox(es) with fieldsets and legends to make them accessible.
Horizontal inline checkboxes can make it difficult to tell which label pertains to which checkbox, so use them sparingly.
Negative language in labels can be counterintuitive. For example, use “I want to receive a promotional email” instead of “I don’t want to receive promotional email.”
Selecting a checkbox should not trigger unexpected changes in context, such as causing significant changes to the page content or opening a new window.
Do's and Don'ts
Clickable Area
Let users check the checkbox by clicking on either the checkbox itself or its label.
Do.
Let users select an option by clicking or tapping not just the checkbox, but also the label or associated words.
Don't.
Limit the clickable area of the checkbox to just the checkbox itself.
Do.
Don't.
Do.
Don't.
Common Button Labels and Usage
Title case, 2-3 words maximum.
Do not combine actions in a label (exception:
"Customize & Buy").
If standard labels don't fit the button's
purpose, align label with the task the user is attempting.
Please refer to the
Dell Technologies branding website, https://brand.delltechnologies.com/faq/#voice, for further information
regarding call-to-action labels and usage.
Button
Label:
Corresponding Action:
Add to
Cart
Search
Cancel
Save
Edit
Delete
Continue
Next/Previous
Submit
Select
Sign
In/Sign Out
View
Details
Ok/Cancel
Learn
More
Close
Takes
users to Cart page, with item added
Used
for search buttons
Takes
users back to entry point for a task
Used to
save an item
Navigates users to change an item
Deletes
an item on the page, usually with a verification step
Used as
progression
Used
as forward and backward navigation (Next is primary, Previous is secondary)
Used
to submit a task or info
Used
for choosing items in a task flow
Authentication standard, for consistency do not use Log In/Log Out or Signin/Signout
Used
instead of “Select” in cases of product details or within learn content
For
use in modal verification steps when more specific CTAs will not fit due to space
Used
to link users to more learning content or contextual help
Used
within modal windows
Interaction/States
A checkbox can be:
- checked or unchecked (tree checkboxes can be partially checked)
- enabled or disabled
- error
- group with error
- hover
- focus
- click
- disabled
Accessibility
Redlines
The A11Y Style Guide has excellent examples of markup for checkboxes.
The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) develops standards and support materials to help you understand and implement accessibility.
Please follow the best practices for checkboxes from WAI-ARIA authoring practices 1.1.
Please also refer to these recommendations for checkboxes from WAI-ARIA 1.1.
You may refer to this example of a two-state checkbox and example of a mixed state checkbox from WAI-ARIA practices 1.1.
You may also refer to these tutorials for forms from Web Accessibility Tutorials.