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The following types of form objects can be used in forms:
Form object |
Explanation |
Text fields |
Text fields are intended for free text such as "Name", "Street", etc. The user who fills in the form can enter any text in it. |
Text (field) frames |
These are like text fields but are in a frame (see below). Note: Text (field) frames can only be used as form objects by converting an inserted text field. For more information, see Text (field) frames. |
Checkboxes |
Checkboxes are appropriate for Yes/No entries. If the user clicks on a checkbox, it is selected (i.e., checked). If he clicks on it again, the check mark is removed. |
Checkbox frames |
These are like checkboxes but are in a frame (see below). |
Dropdowns |
If the user clicks on a dropdown list, it opens to allow predefined list entries to be selected. List items cannot be entered manually. |
Dropdown frames |
These are like dropdown lists but are in a frame (see below). |
In addition, there are two types of form objects that cannot be filled in and are only intended for applying labels:
Labels |
Here, you can enter any labels that should be displayed in the form. |
Groupboxes |
Groupboxes are rectangles that can be labeled in the top left corner. They can be used for the visual grouping of related parts of a form. |
Of course, forms can also contain all other types of objects and normal text in addition to the aforementioned form objects.
For more information on the individual types of form objects, see Form objects in detail.
Should form objects be inserted with or without frames?
As you may have noticed, some form objects can be inserted with or without frames:
▪Checkboxes and checkbox frames
▪Dropdowns and dropdown frames
The difference between normal objects and object frames:
Normal objects (for example, dropdowns) are inserted directly into the text. They are integrated into the text flow – just like a letter. Such objects are easier to use and are thus the best choice for most types of forms.
Objects in frames (for example, dropdown frames), on the other hand, can be positioned anywhere on the page. They can always be moved with the mouse, but once positioned, they remain fixed in place on the page – even when text lines are added or deleted above them.