Checkbox Variables

Display checkboxes in your generated PDFs based on your Airtable data. Supports automatic boolean checkboxes and conditional checkboxes for Single/Multiple Select fields.

Overview

TypeFlow supports two types of checkboxes:

Important: These are NOT fillable/interactive PDFs. The checkboxes reflect your Airtable data at generation time and cannot be modified in the PDF.

Boolean Checkboxes (Automatic)

If you have a Checkbox field in Airtable (true/false), it automatically renders as a visual checkbox. No special syntax needed.

How It Works

Usage

Just use the standard variable syntax:

{{your_checkbox_field}}

Example

Template:

Document Verified: {{is_verified}}
Contract Signed: {{is_signed}}
Payment Received: {{payment_received}}

Output (when is_verified=true, is_signed=true, payment_received=false):

Document Verified: ☑
Contract Signed: ☑
Payment Received: ☐

No configuration needed - boolean checkboxes work automatically with any Checkbox field from Airtable.

Note: Boolean checkboxes work for regular variables. For checkboxes inside {{loop_0}} table loops, the value may display as true/false instead of ☑/☐.

Conditional Checkboxes

For Single Select or Multiple Select fields where you want to display multiple checkbox options with one (or more) checked based on the selected value.

The Syntax

{{checkbox:FIELD_NAME|EXPECTED_VALUE}}

How it works:

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Add checkbox variables to your template

In your Google Doc or HTML template, add the checkbox syntax where you want the checkboxes:

Verification Complete:
{{checkbox:verified|Yes}} Yes
{{checkbox:verified|No}} No

Step 2: Open the Flow Builder

After selecting your template, you'll see the variables extracted in the Mapping tab.

You'll see a single variable: {{checkbox:verified}}

Step 3: Map to your Airtable field

Map {{checkbox:verified}} to your Airtable Single Select field (e.g., "Verification Status").

Step 4: Generate your document

When you generate a document:

Examples

Yes/No Checklist

Perfect for inspection forms, verification checklists, or approval documents.

Template:

Pre-Installation Checklist                    (Yes)                    (No)
─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Adequate space for appliance                 {{checkbox:space|Yes}}   {{checkbox:space|No}}
Clear delivery access                        {{checkbox:access|Yes}}  {{checkbox:access|No}}
Floor level and stable                       {{checkbox:floor|Yes}}   {{checkbox:floor|No}}
Electrical outlet available                  {{checkbox:outlet|Yes}}  {{checkbox:outlet|No}}
Water connection present                     {{checkbox:water|Yes}}   {{checkbox:water|No}}

Mapping:

Output (example):

Pre-Installation Checklist                    (Yes)  (No)
───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
Adequate space for appliance                   ☑      ☐
Clear delivery access                          ☐      ☑
Floor level and stable                         ☑      ☐
Electrical outlet available                    ☑      ☐
Water connection present                       ☐      ☑

Multiple Choice Options

For fields with more than two options.

Template:

Payment Method:

{{checkbox:payment|Cash}} Cash
{{checkbox:payment|Credit Card}} Credit Card
{{checkbox:payment|Bank Transfer}} Bank Transfer
{{checkbox:payment|Check}} Check

Mapping:

Output (when field = "Credit Card"):

Payment Method:

☐ Cash
☑ Credit Card
☐ Bank Transfer
☐ Check

Multiple Select (Multiple Checked)

When your Airtable field is a Multiple Select, multiple checkboxes can be checked.

Template:

Services Requested:

{{checkbox:services|Consulting}} Consulting
{{checkbox:services|Installation}} Installation
{{checkbox:services|Maintenance}} Maintenance
{{checkbox:services|Training}} Training

Mapping:

Output (when field = ["Consulting", "Maintenance"]):

Services Requested:

☑ Consulting
☐ Installation
☑ Maintenance
☐ Training

Combined with Text Display

You can show both the checkbox selection AND the text value:

Template:

Selected payment: {{payment_method}}

Options:
{{checkbox:payment_method|Cash}} Cash
{{checkbox:payment_method|Credit Card}} Credit Card

Mapping:

Output:

Selected payment: Credit Card

Options:
☐ Cash
☑ Credit Card

Tips & Best Practices

Use descriptive field names

Match values exactly

The expected value must match your Airtable options (but it's case-insensitive):

Use in tables for clean layouts

Checkbox variables work great in tables:

| Item                  | Yes                      | No                      |
|-----------------------|--------------------------|-------------------------|
| Space adequate        | {{checkbox:space|Yes}}   | {{checkbox:space|No}}   |
| Access clear          | {{checkbox:access|Yes}}  | {{checkbox:access|No}}  |

FAQ

Troubleshooting

Checkboxes not appearing

Problem: The checkbox variables show as raw text in the generated document.

Solutions:

1. Make sure you mapped the base variable (e.g., {{checkbox:status}}) in the Mapping tab
2. Check that the variable name is spelled correctly
3. Refresh the Flow Builder to re-extract variables

Wrong checkbox is checked

Problem: The checkbox doesn't match the expected value.

Solutions:

1. Check that the expected value matches your Airtable option exactly
2. Look for extra spaces in your Airtable options
3. Verify the correct field is mapped

All checkboxes are unchecked

Problem: None of the checkboxes are checked.

Solutions:

1. Check that the Airtable field has a value (not empty)
2. Verify the expected values match the Airtable options
3. Make sure you're mapping to a Single Select or Multiple Select field

Related Articles

• Variables & Field Mapping - How to use variables to map fields
• Single Select Fields - Working with Single Select fields
• Conditional Sections - Show/hide sections based on field values

Need More Help?

• Email: support@typeflow.us
• Chat: Click the chat icon in the app