# Field types - Fieldline 1.x documentation

> Text, text area, dropdown and checkbox fields, and how each one looks in the Checkout block and the classic checkout.

Fieldline has four field types. Choose the one that fits the answer you need.

| Type | Use it for | Classic checkout | Checkout block |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Text** | Short answers: a VAT number, a gift message, a gate code | A text box | A text box |
| **Text area** | Longer answers on several lines: delivery instructions, a personal note | A multi-line box | A one-line text box |
| **Dropdown** | One answer from a list: "How did you hear about us?" | A dropdown | A dropdown |
| **Checkbox** | Yes or no: "Send me news", "This is a gift", "I agree to the terms" | A checkbox | A checkbox |

## Why a text area is one line in the Checkout block

The Checkout block only has three kinds of extra fields: text boxes, dropdowns and checkboxes. Fieldline uses the closest one, so a text area is a text box there. Customers can still type a long answer; it just doesn't wrap onto several lines while they type. In the classic checkout it's a real multi-line box, and line breaks are kept on the order.

## Dropdowns

Give a dropdown its choices under **Options**, one per line. `value: Label` saves the short value and shows customers the label; on the order screen and in emails the label is shown again.

A dropdown starts on an empty choice, so customers have to pick one. Its text comes from the **Placeholder** ("Select an option" if you leave it empty). To start on one of the choices instead, set it as the **Default value**.

## Checkboxes

An unticked checkbox counts as no answer: it isn't listed on the order. A ticked one shows as "Yes". A required checkbox must be ticked to place the order, which suits agreements.

## More types

Radio buttons, date, number, email and phone fields are part of Fieldline Pro; see **More field types**.

Source: https://extendiment.com/plugins/fieldline/docs/1.x/field-types