Is it proper to save a copy checkbox?

[Koya]

Hi all,

I have a web form that I made sometime ago with two sections for addresses. Now, for section 2 I have a checkbox that says: "Same address as section1" and when the user checks it off then it copies the fields from section 1 to section 2. Now the form can be modified at a later time. If the user decide to check the checkbox, should the check mark be saved or not? Meaning if the user goes back to the form should the checkbox still be checked?

I know this is probably a design decision but wondering if anyone has ever seen it done before?

Also, why is it usually a checkbox and not a button since it really acts as a copy button?

Thanks.

[Electroman]

I was thinking the same thing about the button instead while I read it. But if you use a check box then yes, the state of it (checked or unchecked) should relate to if you've copied the data.

May I suggest a couple ways to do it:

1. When they click the checkbox and it turns checked then copy the data to the second box then disable it. This way your sure it is really copied and if they won't be able to edit it to otherwise. For this you will have to set it so that when second one is edited the new value is copied into the other box if the box is checked. use the onkeypress event for that :).

2. Have it so that pressing the box will copy the data over but if the second box is altered it will uncheck the box. But if the first is edited then it copies over the changes.

[Koya]

Thanks,

Great Ideas. But didn't answer my question about whether the state of the checkbos needs to be preserved when the user comes back to modify the form?

Thanks.

[Electroman]

But if you use a check box then yes, the state of it (checked or unchecked) should relate to if you've copied the data.
Not even this bit? If you use a Checkbox then yes preserve the state. But you could just use a button and then you don't need the other stuff I mentioned.

[Koya]

Great thank you :)