The Multiselect and Checkboxes settings determine how TotalDropdown presents the same CMS-powered choices.

Choose the interface

  • Single selection with the standard presentation creates a dropdown.

  • Single selection with visible choices creates radio buttons.

  • Multiple selection with the compact presentation creates the multi-select or chip interface.

  • Multiple selection with visible choices creates checkboxes.

Use radio buttons or checkboxes for a short list that visitors should scan at once. Use a dropdown or compact multi-select when the list is longer.

Configure the form field

Field Name identifies the submitted control. It must be unique within the form and must match any downstream form processing that expects the value. Set the visible label and placeholder to describe the choice, not the implementation.

Required selection

Enable Required when the form must not be submitted without a selection. Test required validation for every presentation, especially multiple selection and visible checkbox or radio layouts.

Style visible choices

For multi-select items or checkboxes, configure selection font and background colors, item radius, border width, border style, and border color. Use Custom Classes when the form’s existing Foundation 6 styling needs a specific hook.

Test submitted values

  1. Submit one selected value.

  2. For a multi-select control, submit two or more values.

  3. Inspect the received field name and all values.

  4. Repeat with no selection to check optional or required behavior.

Related: Getting started with TotalDropdown and Troubleshooting TotalDropdown and improving accessibility.