List Box

The list box control is an open box containing options that can be selected by the user. The options in a list box are always visible. These options are called list items, are pre-defined and read-only, and are established in the Reference Dictionary. The list box control may be multi-select or single-select, depending on the individual control. Multi-select list boxes allow multiple items to be selected. In a single-select list box, only one item can be selected.

Select a list item in the list box control by clicking on it. Deselect a list item in the list box by clicking on it a second time. Options in the list box are typically sorted alphabetically in ascending order, though the sort order may vary by control. Instances in which the sort order varies are documented in the description of the specific control.

The tab order on the screen treats a list box as a single control. Only the list box itself and not the individual list items can be accessed by using the Tab key; however, users can navigate through the list items by using the arrow keys.