Editing Checkbox (section)

{{Short description|Element of graphical user interfaces}}
{{About|the computer interface element|the concept in US tax law|Check-the-box}}
{{Refimprove|date=November 2010}}
[[File:Checkbox2.png|thumb|Sample binary-state checkboxes, with some options disabled]]

A '''checkbox''' ('''check box''', '''tickbox''', '''tick box''') is a [[graphical widget]] that allows the [[user (computing)|user]] to make a binary choice, i.e. a choice between one of two possible mutually exclusive options. For example, the user may have to answer 'yes' (checked) or 'no' (not checked) on a simple [[yes–no question|yes/no question]].

Checkboxes are shown as empty boxes when unchecked, and with a [[check mark|tick]] or [[cross]] inside (depending on the graphical user interface) when checked. A caption describing the meaning of the checkbox is normally shown adjacent to the checkbox. Inverting the state of a checkbox is done by clicking the mouse on the box, or the caption, or by using a [[keyboard shortcut]], such as the [[space bar]].

Often, a series of checkboxes is presented, each with a binary choice between two options. The user may then select several of the choices. This is contrasted with the [[radio button]], in which only a single option is selectable from several mutually-exclusive choices.

Checkboxes may be disabled (indicated "[[greyed out]]") to inform the user of their existence and possible use despite momentary unavailability.