Editing and Manipulation

Editing and Manipulation considers the behaviors that result in persistent changes to user’s stored information. Behaviors in this layer can often be recognized by the following traits: they result in persistent, stored changes; they require an implicit or explicit save operation; and they typically require validation of the input data.

Selection

Radio buttons - Use radio buttons for selection of 1 out of a few items.
Check boxes - Use one or more check box for clear options or to select items out of a small number of options.
Drop-down - Use a drop-down list for selection of 1 out of a small number of items.
Combo box - Use a combo box to select 1 out of a small number of items where users should be able to add items.
List view - Use a list view to select 1 singular item out of a potentially big list.
Dual list pattern - Apply the dual list pattern for several selections out of a large number of (multiple) items.

Unconstrained input

Line edit - Use a line edit to enter one line of text.
Text edit - Use a text edit to enter multiple lines of texts.
Table view - Use a table view to arrange data in rows and columns with inline editing feature.

Constrained input

Spin box - Use a spin box for numerical input within a range and with fix steps.
Slider - Use a slider for arbitrary changes within a defined range.
Slider and spin box pattern - Apply the slider and spin box pattern for numeric input with both large changes and precise control.
Date and time pickers - Use date and time pickers for formatted input of date, time of day, or periods etc.

Viewing vs Editing

Do not use input controls to show information unless there is an explicit request to edit the information. See the Viewing vs Editing guidelines for more.