Choice fields let users pick from a predefined list of options instead of typing, which speeds up data entry and keeps your data consistent. This article explains the choice field types available in the App Designer, how to decide between them, and how to combine them with repeatable sections in an audit form.
Choice field types
Fulcrum offers three field types for selecting from a set of options:
Single Choice: Users select one option from a choice list.
Multiple Choice: Users select one or more options from a choice list.
Yes/No: Users select one option from up to three buttons, such as Yes, No, and N/A.
Single Choice and Multiple Choice are separate field types in the App Designer, so you decide which one to use when you add the field to your app.
Choosing between Yes/No and Single Choice fields
Both field types store one selection, but they work differently for the user:
Yes/No fields display their options as buttons, so users can respond with a single tap. A Yes/No field supports up to three options, for example Yes, No, and N/A.
Single Choice fields use a choice list and require more deliberate selection. They support features that Yes/No fields do not, such as an "Other" option.
Use a Yes/No field when a question has three or fewer possible answers. Use a Single Choice field when there are four or more.
Each choice has a label, which users see, and a value, which Fulcrum stores and exports. For details, see Values for Choice Field Types.
Example: Building an audit form with choice fields
You can combine choice fields with a repeatable section to record several audit items in one record.
Add a Repeatable Section to represent an audit item.
Inside the Repeatable Section, add a Single Choice field with the options Meets, Needs Improvement, Unacceptable, and N/A. This list has four options, so a Single Choice field is the better fit.
Inside the same Repeatable Section, add a Text field for comments.
Each audit item now has its own rating and comment, and users can add as many items as they need to a single record. Because each item is stored separately, you can report on every item individually.
Tips for designing with choice fields
Use Single Choice when users must pick exactly one option.
Use Multiple Choice when more than one option can apply.
Use Yes/No for questions with three or fewer answers.
Use Repeatable Sections to collect groups of related data and report on each group.