How can you make check boxes select one only?

[JRC_WA85]

I am working on locking down a registration form. There are a couple sections that have multiple checkboxes but ONLY one can be marked. We won't even accept the form if there is more than one option marked. Most sections there are two boxes, check one but not the other. There is one section though that has 16 boxes, and yes only one can be marked.  Can I do that?

Similarly I also need to do the same thing with two text fields, only one should be filled out.

THANKS!

[try67 · Accepted solution]

You can use something like this as the field's custom validation script:

this.getField("Other field name").readonly = (event.value!="");

[brigittes62919937]

DW! I found how to set different export values

Properties > Options > Export Values

[lslozada]

Hi All, I see where I can change the export value in options, but it's not working for me. I have a ton of check boxes, but in groups. For example the first group of checkboxes are Emergency, Urgent, Priority, so I renamed each box "priority", then changed the export value from on to off. It didn't work; what am I missing? Thanks in advance for your help. 

[TK,001]

Hi Lslozada, old post - but very useful.  Read Thom_Parker's response closely (I like his KISS method):

1)  Give all the check boxes the same name. 

2)  Make the export value (on the Options tab of the properties dialog) different for each.

It sounds like your issue may be setting a *different* export value for each. Since you have a ton of check boxes, it sounds like each group (if only one value is desired) should have the same Name for those checkboxes and then a different export value for each of those in that group. Example: Group 1, checkboxes all named 1EUP, Export Values: 1st Checkbox=1, 2nd Checkbox=2, 3rd Checkbox=3, 4th Checkbox=4, etc. / Group 2, checkboxes all named 2EUP, Export Values: 1st Checkbox=1, 2nd Checkbox=2, 3rd Checkbox=3, 4th Checkbox=4, etc.

I hope this helps!

[TK,001]

1)  Give all the check boxes the same name. 

2)  Make the export value (on the Options tab of the properties dialog) different for each.

It sounds like your issue may be setting a *different* export value for each. Since you have a ton of check boxes, it sounds like each group (if only one value is desired) should have the same Name for those checkboxes and then a different export value for each of those in that group. Example: Group 1, checkboxes all named 1EUP, Export Values: 1st Checkbox=1, 2nd Checkbox=2, 3rd Checkbox=3, 4th Checkbox=4, etc. / Group 2, checkboxes all named 2EUP, Export Values: 1st Checkbox=1, 2nd Checkbox=2, 3rd Checkbox=3, 4th Checkbox=4, etc.

I hope this helps!

[Thom Parker]

You'll find the answers here:

https://www.pdfscripting.com/public/Checkboxes-and-Radio-Buttons.cfm

[Alyxx B]

Ok, I'm VERY lost. I'm trying to make a series of check boxes in a group. Yes/No, check ONE for each line. What keeps happening is if you check one, the whole column (all the "no" or all the "yes") check, and I can't seem to make it so you can check one from EACH row (yes or no) and have just that one mark with the check. HELP????

[Bernd Alheit]

Use unique names for the checkboxes.

[Thom Parker]

Read this article. It covers everything you need to know about radio buttons and checkboxes. 

https://www.pdfscripting.com/public/Checkboxes-and-Radio-Buttons.cfm

[jamesd71898919]

I'm not able to uncheck the box again like other regular checkboxes that don't have the check one option. Do you guys have a solution to this?

[try67]

Then it's most likely a radio-button, not a check-box.

[defaultkc39hs4r6p6d]

The original answer for this has disappeared. How can you make sure just one checkbox is clicked? I can't find information about this anywhere else. 

[Thom Parker]

This question is so popular that it has two pages. You'll find all the previous posts on the first page.  Look at the bottom of this web page, you'll see the page controls, "Previous", "1", "2", and "Next".

However, it would probably be very helpful for you to read this article.

https://www.pdfscripting.com/public/Checkboxes-and-Radio-Buttons.cfm

The technique is very simple if you want just one checkbox to be active at a time. But if you want some fancy combination, such as allowing any 3 checkboxes in a group, then a script is required.

[jattap32631833]

Hi! 

Is there any way of doing this already in InDesign?

[Thom Parker]

There are a number of issues covered in this thread. Which one do you want to do in InDesign?  

But just as a general rule, I don't think you can enter a PDF script in InDesign.  So any scripted solution would need to be entered in Acrobat. 

[jattap32631833]

Ok, thanks! I was referring to the original question about the check boxes. I'm designing the forms in Indesing and was wondering if there is a way to do this in the "buttons and forms" menu. But apparently not. I'll make the changes in Acrobat afterwards. 

[Richard Ghramm]

Did you try using the Radio Button?

The Radio Button will make it a Choice. Where they must pick one of the options. 

Very Simple and no writing code.