by Luke Wroblewski January 22, 2005

"Input elements should be organized in logical groups so that your brain can process the form layout in chunks of related fields." –HTML: the Definitive Guide

Quite rare is the Web application that doesn’t make extensive use of forms for data input and configuration. But not all Web applications use forms consistently. Variations in the alignment of input fields, their respective labels, calls to action, and their surrounding visual elements can support or impair different aspects of user behavior.

Form Layouts

When the time to complete a form needs to be minimized and the data being collected is mostly familiar to users (for instance, entering a name, address, and payment information in a check-out flow), a vertical alignment of labels and input fields is likely to work best. Each label and input field is grouped by vertical proximity and the consistent alignment of both input fields and labels reduces eye movement and processing time. Users only need to move in one direction: down.

In this layout, it’s advisable to use bold fonts for input field labels. This increases their visual weight and brings them to the foreground of the layout. When they are not bold, labels may compete with input fields for a user’s attention as they have almost equal visual weight.

When the data being collected by a form is unfamiliar or does not fall into easy to process groups (such as the various parts of an address), left-justifying input field labels makes scanning the information required by the form easier. Users can just scan the left column of labels up and down without being interrupted by input fields. However, the distance between the labels and input fields is often elongated by long labels, and as a result, completion times may suffer. Users have to “jump” from column to column in order to find the right association of input field and label before inputting data.

An alternative layout, right aligns the input field labels so the association between input field and label is clear. However, the resulting left rag of the labels reduces the effectives of a quick scan to see what information the form requires. In the Western world, we read from left to right, so our eyes prefer a hard edge along the left side.

Using Visual Elements

Due to the advantages of a “left-justified horizontal label” layout (easy scanning of input labels and reduced vertical screen space), it may be tempting to attempt to rectify its primary shortcoming: the separation of input fields and their respective labels.

One such approach features the addition of background colors and rules: the different background colors create a vertical unit of labels and a vertical unit of inputs; the horizontal rules form a relationship between each label and input field pair. Though this approach may seem desirable, it actually creates a few problems.

Through gestalt (our innate rules of visual perception), an additional 15 visual elements are added to the layout: the centerline, each background box, and each horizontal line. These elements begin to distract our eye and make it more difficult to focus on the most important elements in the layout: the labels and input fields. As Edward Tufte points out: “Information consists of differences that make a difference.” In other words, any visual element that is not helping your layout ends up hurting it. This can be seen when you try to scan the left column of labels. Your eye repeatedly pauses to consider each horizontal line and the box created by each combination of line and background color.

Of course this doesn’t mean that background colors and rules should never be used within form layouts. When there is value in pointing out related groupings of information to users, a thin horizontal rule or light background color can visually unite related data. Both of these elements (rules and background colors) can be especially useful for drawing attention to the primary call to action of a form.

Primary & Secondary Actions

The primary action associated with a form (most commonly “submit” or “save”) needs to carry a stronger visual weight (in the example above bright color, bold font, background color, etc.) than the other form elements and should vertically align with the input fields. This illuminates a path for users and guides them to completion of the form.

When a form has multiple actions such as “Continue” and “Go Back” it may be wise to reduce the visual weight of the secondary action. This minimizes the risk for potential errors and further directs users to completion.

Though these guidelines can help better position a form for your specific purpose, the combination of layout, visual elements, and content that’s right for you should still be verified through user testing or data analysis (completion rates, errors, etc.).