Choice Field Basics

Overview

The RIB Master Content is populated with embedded choice fields that allow the user to select one or more options from a pull down menu. 

This article covers the following topics:

• Types of Choice Fields
• Identifying Choice Fields
• Selecting a Choice from a Choice Field
• Copying a Choice Field
• Cutting a Choice Field
• Editing a Choice Field
• Deleting a Choice Field

Types of Choice Fields

Choice fields are fundamentally either exclusive "Single Select" or inclusive "Multiple Select".

Exclusive Choices - "Single Select"

Exclusive choices allow for only 1 of the options to be selected. An exclusive choice is indicated by circular "radio" buttons as shown below.

Inclusive Choices - "Multiple Select"

Inclusive choices allow for multiple selections to be made via and/or statements. An inclusive choice is indicated by square selection boxes as shown below.

Choice fields can contain any of the following:

• Text
• Fill in the Blanks
• Global Terms
• Reference Standards
• Section ID
• Unit of Measure

Each embedded choice has a default value, which may or may not be appropriate for your project.

Identifying a Choice Field

Choice fields are identified by a blue text color and paired with a drop-down arrow after each choice field. Keep in mind, working on the internet, underlined blue text will indicate a hyperlink and will open a new tab in your browser with additional information. 

Since Blue text indicates a choice field, other enhanced text within a choice list will have their text color switched to blue as well. For clarity, the associated enhanced text visual indicator will remain in the original color and appear next to the matching choice option. 

When opening the choice list dropdown, all enhanced text color will appear in its standard state. 

Choice list closed:

Choice list opened:

Selecting a Choice from a Choice Field

Follow the steps below to access and make a selection from a choice field.

Exclusive Choices - "Single Select"

1. Click the colored text normally (left-click) to access the menu of options. The image below displays the blue text "continuous welds".
   
   
   
   
2. Clicking the text reveals the menu of options.
   
   
   
   
3. The circular radio buttons indicate that this is an exclusive choice meaning only 1 option can be selected. Click the circular radio button of the most appropriate choice option.

Inclusive Choices - "Multiple Select"

1. Click the colored text normally (left-click) to access the menu of options. The image below displays the blue text "remediation".
   
   
   
   
2. Clicking the text reveals the menu of options.
   
   
   
   
3. The square selection boxes indicate that this is an inclusive choice meaning multiple options can be selected. Click the square selection boxes of the most appropriate choice options. Review the text after making the choices to confirm that the statement is AND or OR and that is makes sense for the selections.

Copying a Choice Field

Choice fields can be copied and then pasted into a desired location within the section text.

Follow the steps below to copy a choice, then paste it to another location.

1. Place the cursor over the choice field. The message below will appear stating that right-clicking will access the choice options.
   
   
   
   
2. Right-click the mouse to access the options menu pictured below.
   
   
   
   
3. Click the Copy Choice menu option to copy the choice.
   
   
   
   
4. Locate and click normally where you want to paste the choice field.
   
   
5. From the menu that appears click "Paste enhanced text".
   
   
   
   The copied then pasted text will appear in the text as expected.

Cutting a Choice Field

Choice fields can be cut and then pasted into a desired location within the section text.

Follow the steps below to cut a choice, then paste it in another location.

1. Place the cursor over the choice field. The message below will appear stating that right-clicking will access the choice options.
   
   
   
   
2. Right-click the mouse to access the options menu pictured below.
   
   
   
   
3. Click the Cut Choice menu option.
   
   
   
   The choice will be cut from the location. The choice is now available to be pasted to another location within the section text.
   
   
4. Locate and click normally where you want to paste the choice field.
   
   
5. From the menu that appears click "Paste enhanced text".
   
   
   
   The cut, then pasted choice will appear in the text as expected.

Editing a Choice Field

Choice fields can be edited.

Follow the steps below to edit a choice field.

1. Place the cursor over the choice field. The message below will appear stating that right-clicking will access the choice options.
   
   
   
   
2. Right-click the mouse to access the options menu pictured below.
   
   
   
   
3. Click the Edit Choice menu option.
   
   
   
   This will populate the Choices Panel of the Document Manager located on the right side of the section document window with the choice and options. From the Choices Panel, choice options can be reordered, added, or deleted.
   Review the steps for these processes in the Creating Custom Choice Fields article.

Deleting a Choice Field

Choice fields can be deleted from the section text.

Follow the steps below to delete a choice.

1. Place the cursor over the choice field. The message below will appear stating that right-clicking will access the choice options.
   
   
   
   
2. Right-click the mouse to access the options menu pictured below.
   
   
   
   
3. Click the Delete Choice menu option.
   
   
   
   The choice will be deleted from the section text.

 Watch the video below to review the basics of Choice Fields.