How to Design Forms with 20+ Checkboxes

How to Design Forms with 20+ Checkboxes

Last Updated on April 20, 2025 by UX World

Handling a form with 20 or more checkboxes can be a challenging task.

On one side, you want to give users the flexibility to make multiple selections. On the other side, you risk overwhelming them with an endless list.

Poorly designed forms can lead to user frustration and errors.

As UX designers, you need to create forms that fulfill the requirements and are user-friendly.

Let’s explore a few practical and effective ways to organize a list of checkboxes in a form.

Display all checkboxes in the main scrollable container

Place all checkboxes in the main scrollable container. This can be a page, a dialog, or a sheet.

Put checkboxes in the container
Place all checkboxes in the main scrollable container.

If you place them inside a scrollable menu or list box, there is a chance that users might miss the checkboxes that are hidden in the default view.

Dont put checkboxes in a dropdown
Do not use a menu to display a large number of checkboxes.

Sort the checkboxes alphabetically (or in a logical order)

Place the checkboxes in a logical order. This can be in alphabetical order, numerical order, or another meaningful order as per user expectations. This makes it easier for users to scan the list and find the required items.

Arrange checkboxes alphabetically
You can arrange checkboxes in alphabetical order.

Arrange checkboxes Logically 1
You can arrange checkboxes in a logical order that is more understandable to users. It can start with the most frequently used, or the most expected one.

Arrange checkboxes Logically 2
You can arrange checkboxes in a logical order that is more understandable to users. It can start with the most frequently used, or the most expected one.

Use other controls to display the options in a better way

Use toggle buttons if the selection does not require a confirmation. Switching the toggle buttons will apply the settings instantly.

Other controls instead of checkbox
Choose another control if it works in a better way.

Use a progressive disclosure approach (display a set of options by default, reveal more options with a click)

Display a set of items in the default view. Provide a ‘Show more’ option so the user can click it and see the remaining items.

progressive disclosure approach
Instead of displaying all items at once, display a set of items along with an option to reveal all of them.

progressive disclosure 6
The same approach is appreciated even if you are using toggle controls.

Group similar items into categories

Try to group similar items into categories, if possible. This improves the organization of items and users can quickly scan the categories and go to the required one.

Organize Checkboxes into Categories 2
Organize items into categories for better understanding.

Organize Checkboxes into Categories 1
The same grouping approach works for toggle controls.

Managing a form with 20 or more checkboxes requires thoughtful design decisions to ensure usability and efficiency. The given approaches work well in presenting the items in a user-friendly way.

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