# Radio Button UI guidelines on using radio buttons. **Implementation:** [`JBRadioButton`](%gh-ic%/platform/platform-api/src/com/intellij/ui/components/JBRadioButton.java) ![](01_Radio Button.png){width=706} ## When to use Use a radio button group to choose one option from 2 to 4 mutually exclusive options. ## When not to use ### Several options in a group can be selected Use a group of [checkboxes](checkbox.topic) instead. ### Binary Yes/No Options For only two opposing yes/no options, use a checkbox instead.
CorrectA correct example of using a checkbox instead of a radiobutton IncorrectAn incorrect example of using a radiobutton instead of a checkbox
### 5 and more options If the options have short labels, use a segmented button. Or, if the options can be represented on an axis, such as a time delay, use a slider instead. ![](03_When_to_use_Segmented_button.png){width=706} For other cases with 5 or more options use a [drop-down list](drop_down.md):
CorrectA correct example of using a checkbox instead of a radiobutton IncorrectAn incorrect example of using a radiobutton instead of a checkbox
### Use dropdown Consider using a [drop-down list](drop_down.md) if: * The screen space is limited. * The option might be used less often than other options on the screen. * There are other drop-down lists in the same group of UI components. A radio button group is more noticeable than a drop-down list, so it will look like a more important setting. * There is a combination of several UI components for one setting: ![](05_When_to_use_Segmented_button.png){width=706} *The automatic updates setting consists of a checkbox, three lengthy-labeled options in a dropdown and a button.* ## How to use ### Label
Using links instead of buttons

A label accompanies each checkbox and is placed next to it.
Using links instead of buttons

If a label is long, split it into two lines. Avoid labels that take more than two lines. See recommendations on writing concise labels below.
To implement this, use HTML formatting: ```kotlin radioButton( "Show options before adding
to version control") ``` ```java new JRadioButton( "Show options before adding
to version control"); ``` ### Writing guidelines Use sentence-style capitalization. Do not use ending punctuation. Use the imperative form of verbs. Do not use negation in labels as it complicates understanding.
CorrectA correct example of using a checkbox instead of a radiobutton IncorrectAn incorrect example of using a radiobutton instead of a checkbox
Make labels short and intelligible — see [Writing short and clear text](writing_short.md). ### Group label ![](09_How_to_use.png){width=706} Always start a radio button group with a group label. It explains what the options are for. Use a checkbox or another radio button as a group label if the radio button group needs to be turned on or off. Use a colon at the end of a group label. ## Sizes and placement If a radio button group depends on another control, e.g., a checkbox, follow the rules for [dependent colors](layout.md#dependent-controls). Otherwise, follow the rules for [independent colors](layout.md).