Concept cluster

Choose from a list

Compare a closed native picker, a searchable suggestion control, and an always-visible option list.

Which one to choose

Is the person choosing a native value, filtering by typing, or navigating a list?

Select: Select is a native form control whose values come only from predefined options and whose mode can be single or multiple; Combobox controls an associated popup and may be editable or select-only, while Listbox is a composite option widget that can be standalone or used in a popup.
Combobox: Combobox is the value control that coordinates an associated popup and may be editable or select-only; Select is a native predefined-option form control, while Listbox is the composite option widget that can stand alone or serve as a popup.
Listbox: Listbox is the composite option widget and can be standalone or a popup with single or multiple selection; Select is a native form control, while Combobox is the value control that owns or controls an associated popup.

Try it

Choose from a list

Compare all three behaviors

Shared comparison scenario: A form asks the user to choose one value from a known option set before continuing.

This context stays fixed. Switch concepts to observe the mission, edge case, and specimen specific to each behavior.

Select

Select is a native form control whose values come only from predefined options and whose mode can be single or multiple; Combobox controls an associated popup and may be editable or select-only, while Listbox is a composite option widget that can be standalone or used in a popup.

Your task

Choose Portugal with pointer and keyboard, then confirm the selected form value is identical.

Edge case to verify

The required placeholder option cannot be submitted as a valid country and its error remains linked to the field.

Mission

Select

Choose Portugal with pointer and keyboard, then confirm the selected form value is identical.

Primary state: The labeled native select shows the current country and opens the platform's option picker.

Parts of the specimen

Select a numbered marker on the schematic, or use the list below, to see its role. The schematic shows the concept's representative state.

Label

The persistent text that names a control or field.

The three concepts

ConceptSelectA form control for choosing one or more values from predefined options without arbitrary text entry; a single-select commonly appears as a closed picker, while a multiple select may expose a list.Open ConceptComboboxA value control with an associated popup; it can be editable or select-only, and the popup can be a listbox, grid, tree, or dialog.Open ConceptListboxA composite widget of named options that supports one or multiple selections and can be standalone or used as a combobox popup.Open

The three comparisons

ComparisonCombobox vs Select ComparisonListbox vs Select ComparisonCombobox vs Listbox

Signals you are confusing them

These descriptions fit every concept in the cluster, so none of them is enough to decide.

choose a value from a known collection of options
the option list may stay closed become filterable or remain visible

Other concept clusters

Concept clusterSmall contextual surfaces Concept clusterEdge-attached surfaces

Which one to choose

Is the person choosing a native value, filtering by typing, or navigating a list?

Select: Select is a native form control whose values come only from predefined options and whose mode can be single or multiple; Combobox controls an associated popup and may be editable or select-only, while Listbox is a composite option widget that can be standalone or used in a popup.
Combobox: Combobox is the value control that coordinates an associated popup and may be editable or select-only; Select is a native predefined-option form control, while Listbox is the composite option widget that can stand alone or serve as a popup.
Listbox: Listbox is the composite option widget and can be standalone or a popup with single or multiple selection; Select is a native form control, while Combobox is the value control that owns or controls an associated popup.