The @COLUMNS action tag takes a single integer parameter and splits a set of options (checkboxes and/or radio buttons) into the specified number of columns.
- Compatible with enhanced radio buttons and checkboxes.
- Best when used with "left" alignment (LH or LV).
- When applicable, test on portable devices (smartphone and/or small tablet) to ensure layout is acceptable. If necessary, reduce the number of columns to acheive the desired presentation.
- NOTE: The @COLUMNS action tag is not compatible with the REDCap Mobile App.
Action Tag Section: @COLUMNS=5
- The sorting is driven by the field alignment:
- If a Vertical field alignment is chosen, the options will be sorted vertically (first _ column _ will contain options 1, 2, 3…).
- If a Horizontal field alignment is chosen, the options will be sorted horizontally (first _ row _ will contain options 1, 2, 3…).
- The width of the columns is driven by the length of the labels.
- It is recommended that careful testing is done to ensure the menu labels and number of columns work well together and present the desired layout.
- Using a large number of columns may have unintended consequences in regards to the page width / layout. However, a field with very short labels may be able to accommodate many columns.
- Works with field embedding. The field using @COLUMNS can be embedded. Also, the menu being split can include embedded fields (e.g. including a text field after an "Other" option).
- When downloading as a PDF, you MUST use the "(via browser's Save as PDF)" options. When using REDCap's built-in "Download PDF" feature, the @COLUMNS action tag is ignored.
- If an invalid parameter value is provided (0, -1, a…) a default of 1-column will be used.
Add action tag with desired number of columns.
Note that options are organized vertically based on the field alignment.
Note that options are organized horizontally based on the field alignment.
Johns Hopkins University, October 2024