This article explains how Choice fields work in the Sintel Apps Designer and the difference between:

• Choice – Dropdown
• Choice – Single
• Choice – Multi

Choice fields are used when users must select from predefined options instead of typing free text. When added to a form, they create a corresponding column in the underlying SharePoint list.

What Is a Choice Field?

A Choice field allows you to define a fixed list of options such as:

• Department

• Request Type

• Priority

• Category

• Status

Using predefined choices improves:

• Data consistency

• Reporting accuracy

• Filtering and grouping

• Workflow logic reliability

1. Choice – Dropdown

What It Is: A single-selection field displayed as a dropdown menu.

How It Appears: Users click the dropdown and select one option.

Best Used For:

• Department

• Request Type

• Priority

• Region

• Category

Key Characteristics

• Only one option can be selected

• Compact and clean appearance

• Ideal for structured processes

• Works very well with Logic and Workflow

When to Use:

Use Dropdown when:

• Only one value should ever apply

• You want a cleaner layout

• The field drives workflow or approvals

This is the most common and recommended option for process-driven forms.

2. Choice – Single

What It Is

A single-selection field displayed as visible selectable options (typically radio buttons).

How It Appears

All options are shown on screen. Users select one.

Best Used For

• Yes/No alternatives

• Short option lists (2–4 options)

• High-visibility decisions

• Critical branching questions

Key Characteristics

• Only one option can be selected

• All options are visible immediately

• Good for important decision points

When to Use

Use Single Choice when:

• The number of options is small

• You want users to see all options at once

• The decision significantly affects form behaviour

Avoid using it for long lists — it can make forms cluttered.

3. Choice – Multi

What It Is: A multi-selection field allowing users to select more than one option.

How It Appears: Displayed as checkboxes.

Best Used For: 

• Services required

• Systems impacted

• Applicable policies

• Tags or categories

• Skills or competencies

Key Characteristics:

• Multiple selections allowed

• Stored as multiple values

• Can be used in Logic rules

• Requires careful configuration if driving workflow

When to Use

• More than one option may apply

• You are collecting tags or classifications

• The field does not require strict single-value control

Avoid using Multi if only one selection should be valid.

Comparison Overview

Configuring Choice Fields

When creating a Choice field, you can configure:

• Label

• Option list (one per line)

• Default value

• Required state

• Visibility

• Read-only state

• Validation message

• Styling

Carefully define your option list before publishing the form.

Using Choice Fields in Logic

Choice fields are commonly used to:

• Show or hide sections

• Make other fields required

• Trigger workflow transitions

• Change field states

Example:

If Request Type = Project, show the “Project Details” section.

For Multi fields:

If “Systems Impacted” contains “Finance”, display additional validation fields.

Best Practices

• Use Dropdown for most structured fields.

• Use Single when visibility of options is important.

• Use Multi only when multiple answers are genuinely required.

• Keep option lists consistent and clearly named.

• Avoid long lists in Single or Multi fields.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Multi when only one option should be allowed.

• Creating similar or duplicate options.

• Adding new options after building Logic without reviewing conditions.

• Using free text instead of structured choices.

Key Things to Know

• Choice fields create SharePoint choice columns.

• Existing items retain their stored values if options change.

• Multi-choice values may require more careful logic configuration.

• Choice fields are ideal for workflow-driven forms.

➡️ Next article: Lookup Fields – When and How to Use Them