---
path: components/multiselect/usage
title: Usage
position: 2
seo_title: Guidelines for Using the MultiSelect Component
seo_description: Get the knack of the Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect and learn
  how to use and implement the component by following the instructions and
  recommendations in the user guidelines created by our designers.
---
## Usage Guidelines

The Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect requires you to follow some basic principles when using the component.

### Multiple Options

The MultiSelect component is best used when users need to select multiple options from a predefined set of choices, particularly when there are too many choices to display all at once. It's not recommended to use a MultiSelect component when users need to select only one option from a small set of choices.

<DosDonts>
<Do description="Use the MultiSelect when you need to select multiple options from a large predefined set of choices.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect with multiple selection from a long list of Favorite sport options.](images/components-multiselect-usage-select-multiple-options-do.png "Use the Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect to provide multiple choices for users from a long, predefined list of options.")</Do>
<Dont description="Avoid using the MultiSelect when you need to select only one option from a small set of choices.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect with a single selection from a short list of Size options.](images/components-multiselect-usage-select-multiple-options-dont.png "Do not use the Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect to allow for a single user selection from a short, predefined set of options.")</Dont>
</DosDonts>


### Item Content

Consider the width of the MultiSelect and keep the names of its options short and compact so that they fit within the component. Long item names that occupy multiple lines are hard to perceive and must be avoided.

<DosDonts>
<Do description="Keep the description of the MultiSelect options as short as possible to improve readability.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect containing single-row options whose length elegantly fits the width of the component.](images/components-multiselect-usage-options-with-compact-names-do.png "Display short, concise, and succinct descriptions for the items within the Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect to fit the width of the component on a single row.")</Do>
<Dont description="Avoid using lengthy option descriptions because the text can get truncated and users will find it difficult to read.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect rendering long and wordy option descriptions spanning more than a single row.](images/components-multiselect-usage-options-with-compact-names-dont.png "Do not use circumstantial and excessively long descriptions of the Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect options.")</Dont>
</DosDonts>


### Label

The label of the MultiSelect provides a clear and concise description of its purpose, making it easier for users to interact with the interface and understand it. Always display a label unless the MultiSelect is next to another component which already has a label. The label of the MultiSelect can be set as part of the Telerik and Kendo UI Form component.

<DosDonts>
<Do description="Use clear and concise labels that accurately describe the purpose and function of the MultiSelect.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect with a clear and short label introducing a list of favorite colors.](images/components-multiselect-usage-label-do.png "Always use short and clear labels for introducing the purpose and function of the Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect component.")</Do>
<Dont description="Avoid using the MultiSelect without a label as this compromises the intuitiveness of the component, leading to confusion and frustration.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect without a label supposedly introducing a list of favorite colors.](images/components-multiselect-usage-label-dont.png "Always render a label for the Telerik and Kendo UI MultiSelect so that user do not assume what its purpose is and get frustrated.")</Dont>
</DosDonts>