- Qt 6.9
- Qt Quick Controls
- Qt Quick Controls Guidelines
- Button Controls
- Qt 6.9.1 Reference Documentation

Controls ◦ Container Controls

# Button Controls

Qt Quick Controls offers a selection of button-like controls.

AbstractButton | Abstract base type providing functionality common to buttons
Button | Push-button that can be clicked to perform a command or answer a question
CheckBox | Check button that can be toggled on or off
DelayButton | Check button that triggers when held down long enough
RadioButton | Exclusive radio button that can be toggled on or off
RoundButton | A push-button control with rounded corners that can be clicked by the user
Switch | Button that can be toggled on or off
ToolButton | Button with a look suitable for a ToolBar

Each type of button has its own specific use case. The following sections offer guidelines for choosing the appropriate type of button, depending on the use case.

## Button Control

Button is a clickable control that starts an action, or opens or closes a popup. A button usually has a text label but it can also contain an icon.

Button is a very suitable control when a popup or dialog needs to perform an action. The most common examples are Apply, Cancel, Save, Close and Help.

Recommendations:

- The button's text should be a verb describing the action, or a noun matching the title of the popup that will be opened.
- Don't use a button to set state. Switch is more suitable for that.
- Use the default font unless you have UI guidelines specifying otherwise.
- If the text is localized, consider the influence of a longer text on the layout.

See also Button and AbstractButton

## CheckBox Control

CheckBox is used to build multi-selection option lists. Any number of options can be selected, including none, but the options should not be mutually exclusive.

Use a single CheckBox for a yes/no choice, such as when you have to accept the terms of service agreement in a form.

For a single yes/no choice, it is also possible to use a switch. If the choice concerns an option, it is best to use a CheckBox. If it concerns action to be taken, a switch is recommended.

When options can be grouped, you can use a partially checked CheckBox to represent the whole group. Use the checkbox's partially checked state when a user selects some, but not all, sub-items in the group.

The three availables check states are: checked, partially checked and unchecked.

The checkable options are often listed vertically.

Recommendations:

- The checkbox label should be a statement that the check mark makes true, and that the absence of a check mark makes false.
- The checkbox label should not contain a negative statement.
- Use the default font, unless you have UI guidelines specifying otherwise.
- If the text is localized, consider the influence of a longer text on the layout.

See also CheckBox

## DelayButton Control

DelayButton is a button that incorporates a delay before triggering an action. This delay prevents accidental presses.

Recommendations:

- Use in touch user interfaces.
- Use for actions that must be triggered with care.

See also Button and AbstractButton

## RadioButton Control

RadioButton is used to select only one option from a set of options. Selecting one option automatically deselects the one selected before.

If there are only two mutually exclusive options, combine them into a single checkbox or a switch.

Recommendations:

- Limit the label text to one line.
- Ensure that a sensible default option is checked.
- List RadioButton options vertically.
- If the text is localized, consider the influence of a longer text on the layout.
- Use the default font, unless you have UI guidelines that specify otherwise.
- Just like with CheckBox, do not make the list too large.
- In order to avoid confusion, do not put two groups of radio buttons next to each other.

See also RadioButton

## RoundButton Control

RoundButton is a clickable control that starts an action, or opens or closes a popup. A round button with a square image icon or one-letter font icon is circular. A circular RoundButton takes less space than a normal Button, and can also be used as a floating action button.

Recommendations:

- Keep labels short and concise.
- If the text is localized, consider the influence of a longer text on the layout.

See also RoundButton

## Switch Control

Switch represents a physical switch that allows users to choose between an "on" or "off" state. Use a switch for binary operations that take effect immediately after it has been switched on. For example, a switch to turn WIFI on or off.

Recommendations:

- Keep labels short and concise.
- If the text is localized, consider the influence of a longer text on the layout.

See also Switch

## ToolButton Control

ToolButton is nearly identical to Button, but it has a graphical appearance that makes it more suitable for insertion into a ToolBar.

See also ToolButton

## Related Information

- Qt Quick Controls Guidelines

Controls ◦ Container Controls