When you add a field, you need to choose a field type. The type you select is determined by what information you want to collect from buyers (such as special shipping info or comments) or what special purpose you wish to accomplish (such as adding a message to explain shipping rates or refunds, or adding hidden fields that pass data through the checkout process). Below are examples of the different field types available. Not shown plain text and hidden fields.

• Text input
  
• Text area
  
• Radio buttons
  
• Menu
  
• List box
  
• Check box
  

You can select and add the following field types

• Text box - Select to allow buyers to enter a single line of text. You can both limit the number of characters displayed and accepted. Used for collecting small amounts of information such as a name, zip code, or phone number. You can add validation rules for this type of field.
• Text area - Select to allow buyers to enter a larger set of information such as special requests for shipping or comments. You can add validation rules for this type of field.
• Plain text - Select to display plain text at the location selected for this field. This can be used for adding a message to buyers. You can include HTML.
• Hidden field - Select to add a hidden field such as for passing values between checkout pages.
• Radio buttons - Select to present options to the buyer from which they can only select one choice. You will need to add values from which to choose.
• Menu - Select to present options in the form of a menu to the buyer from which they can only select one choice. This field type is preferable to radio buttons when you wish to conserve space. You will need to add values from which to choose.
• List box - Select to present options to the buyer in the form of a list from which they can select multiple choices. You will need to add values from which to choose.
• Check box - Select to present an option to the buyer from which they can select. You can set up multiple check boxes by adding more than one field. This field type may be preferable to a list box if buyers will select multiple as more buyers are familiar with using check boxes. You will need to add values from which to choose.

You can change the field type to a limited degree for certain standard fields

• Country - Menu (default), text box, or radio buttons. Note: The countries that appear listed in the Country field are set on the Foreign Orders page. Learn more.
• Payment Method - Menu (default), radio buttons.
• Shipping Method - Menu (default), radio buttons.

You can also change the field type for custom fields within a field type grouping (for example you can switch a text box to a text area, or you can switch radio buttons to a list box).

Note: When switching field types, not all attributes are shared between field types so you may lose information.

See Also:

• Select where a new field can be displayed
• Validation rules for fields
• Make fields required in checkout
• Add values to form fields