---
schema_version: "1"
id: 67ac560e36c7fa99dc7f69cd3070992452c5d711f4258e873780db2496e3be30
title: Choose the Right Screen Component for Your Flow
collection: admin
version: current
locale: en-us
portal_url: https://docs.salesforce.com/admin/current/en-us/platform/264-0-0/automate_flow_build_choose_screen_component.md
canonical_url: https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.automate_flow_build_choose_screen_component.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5
source_site: help.salesforce.com
content_type: documentation
content_hash: f923d362a456fcedd19b25e5c70f7094438d41da9aa8aebc7518b81d08662ca1
description: Select a screen component based on the type of information that you want to show or collect from users in your flow.
products:
  - Flow Builder
  - Salesforce Platform
release: "264"
---
# Choose the Right Screen Component for Your Flow

Select a screen component based on the type of information that you want to show or collect from users in your flow.

### Required Editions

<table class="slds-table slds-table_bordered slds-max-medium-table_stacked slds-m-bottom_small edition"><colgroup><col></colgroup><tbody><tr class=""><td class="slds-cell-wrap" style="vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_supported_editions.htm&amp;release=264.0.0&amp;type=5" title="Learn about the editions and user interfaces that support Flow Builder. Some Flow Builder features integrate with other Salesforce products that require additional licenses.">View supported editions.</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Flow screen components let you collect input from or display information to users in screen flows. Choosing the right component ensures a better user experience and helps you get the information you want. Components are organized by use case.

## Display Information to Users

Use these components to show information, but not collect user input.

[Display Text](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_display_text.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Display information in a flow screen.")

Use to provide instructions, explanations, or confirmation messages. The Display Text component supports rich text formatting, including bold, italic, lists, and links.

Example: Display a confirmation message after a user submits a case, such as "Thank you for submitting your case. Your case number is {!CaseNumber}."

[Display Image](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_display_image.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Easily insert images in flow screens. Upload images to Salesforce as static resources and then you can reference them while configuring the component.")

Use when you want to show images, logos, or visual content that help clarify instructions or enhance the user experience.

Example: Display your company logo at the top of a flow screen or show a diagram that explains a process.

[Message](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_message.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Show screen reader-compatible status messages with different message types that each have their own styling. The types include informational, success, warning, and critical.")

Use to display important notifications, alerts, or status messages. The Message component supports different types, such as informational, warning, error, and success messages.

Example: Display a warning message about required actions, show an error notification when validation fails, or confirm successful completion of a task.

## Collect Unformatted Text

Use these components when you need users to enter unstructured text values.

[Text](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_text.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter text from a flow screen, such as the name of the user’s company.")

Use for short text entries up to 255 characters, such as names or titles.

Example: Collect a customer's company name or a product title.

[Long Text Area](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_textarea.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter a paragraph or two of text from a flow screen.")

Use for open-ended text entries with no character limit.

Example: Collect detailed feedback about a service experience or a full case description.

[Password](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_password.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter sensitive information in a flow screen, such as a social security number. Text entered by the user is masked.")

Use when you need users to enter sensitive information that should be masked on screen.

Example: Collect a password or PIN for verification purposes.

## Collect Formatted Text

Use these components when you need specific text formats, such as a phone number or email address.

[Email](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_email.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter email address values from a flow screen.")

Use when you need users to enter email addresses. The component validates that the input is a properly formatted email address.

Example: Collect a customer's email address for follow-up communications.

[Phone](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_phone.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter phone number values from a flow screen.")

Use when you need users to enter phone numbers.

Example: Collect a contact phone number for a lead or customer.

[URL](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_url.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter URL values in a flow screen.")

Use when you need users to enter website addresses or URLs.

Example: Collect a customer's company website or a link to documentation.

## Collect Numeric Values

Use these components when you need users to enter numbers.

[Number](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_number.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter number values from a flow screen.")

Use for whole or decimal numbers, such as quantities or ages.

Example: Collect the quantity of items to order.

[Currency](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_currency.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter currency values from a flow screen.")

Use when you need users to enter monetary amounts. The component formats the value as currency.

Example: Collect a budget amount, purchase price, or reimbursement request.

[Slider](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_slider.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users visually specify number values from a flow screen.")

Use when you want users to select a value from a defined range. Best for ratings, satisfaction scores, or preference levels.

Example: Collect a satisfaction rating from 1 to 10 or a priority level from 0 to 100.

## Collect Dates and Times

Use these components when you need users to enter dates or times.

[Date](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_date.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Give the user running the flow a field to enter date values from a flow screen.")

Use when you want users to select a date from a calendar picker.

Example: Collect a preferred appointment date, event date, or deadline.

[Time](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_time.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users select available time values from a flow screen.")

Use when you want users to select a time without a date.

Example: Show available times for an appointment on a predefined date.

[Date/Time](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_datetime.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter date and time values from a flow screen, such as to request an appointment.")

Use when you want users to select both a date and a specific time.

Example: Schedule a meeting or appointment that requires both date and time.

## Collect Single-Choice Selections

Use these components when users select just one option from a set of choices.

[Picklist](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_picklist.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users choose from a list of options in a picklist format.")

Use when you have many options and want to save screen space with a dropdown.. A picklist is ideal if you have many options.

Example: Have users select a product category, department, or priority level from a list.

[Radio Buttons](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_radio.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users choose from a list of options in a radio button format.")

Use when you have 2–5 options and want all choices visible at once. Radio buttons make it clear that the user can select only one option.

Example: Have users select a preferred contact method (Email, Phone, Text) or choose a service tier (Basic, Standard, Premium).

## Collect Multiple-Choice Selections

Use these components when users can select multiple options.

[Multi-Select Picklist](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_msp.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users choose multiple options in a picklist format.")

Use when users need to select more than one option from a dropdown list.

Example: Have users select multiple product interests, languages spoken, or skills from a list.

[Checkbox Group](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_checkboxgroup.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users choose multiple options in a checkbox format.")

Use when you have a small to moderate number of options and want all choices visible for multi-selection. Users can select multiple checkboxes.

Example: Have users opt into multiple communication preferences or select applicable features.

## Collect True or False Input

Use these components for Boolean choices.

[Checkbox](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_checkbox.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Offer flow users a yes-or-no choice with a checkbox.")

Use when you need a single yes or no or true or false choice, such as accepting terms or opting into something.

Example: Have users agree to terms and conditions, opt into a newsletter, or confirm that they understand a policy.

[Toggle](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_toggle.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users flip a toggle in a flow screen.")

Use when you want a visually prominent representation of an active or inactive state.

Example: Have users enable or disable notifications, activate a feature, or switch between two states.

## Collect Record Selections

Use these components so users can select existing records from your Salesforce org.

[Lookup](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_lookup.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users search for and select existing records in a screen flow. Configure the component with a lookup field and its source object, and store the selected record IDs for use later in the flow.")

Use when you want users to search for and select existing records. The component provides a type-ahead search interface.

Example: Have users select an account, contact, or custom object record.

[Choice Lookup](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_choice_lookup.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users search for and select one option from a set of choices on a flow screen. The component supports only Text values.")

Use when you want to provide a filtered list of records based on flow logic or when you need more control over which records appear.

Example: Have users select from a filtered list of accounts in a specific region or the contacts assigned to them.

![Note](https://sf-zdocs-cdn-prod.zoominsoftware.com/tdta-platform-platform_automation-264-0-0-production-enus/60568438-ec7e-4665-acd1-7c80dcbe60d5/images/icon_note.png)

Note Learn more about when to use the Lookup component or the Choice Lookup component in [Choose a Lookup Option for a Flow Screen](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_lookup_comparison.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Salesforce provides three ways for users to search for and select records on flow screens. Generally, use the Lookup component when you want users to search an unfiltered list of records. Use the Choice Lookup component when you want users to search a filtered list of records or static choices. Use a lookup record field when you want users to have the option to create a record from the lookup field. This table describes the differences between the three options.")

[Data Table](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_data_table.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Display a collection of records in a table so that the user running the flow can select records. The flow stores the selected records as flow variables that the rest of the flow can act on.")

Use to display multiple records in a table so users can select one or more. Best for comparing records or viewing details before selection.

Example: Display a list of open cases with details like case number, subject, and status, so users can select which cases to update.

[Kanban](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.automate_flow_ref_elements_screencmp_kanban_board.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Use the new Kanban Board component to show records as cards in columns that represent workflow stages, without custom Lightning implementations. Your users gain instant visibility into record progress and record details without leaving the flow. The Kanban Board is read-only, so users can’t drag cards between stages at run time.")

Use when you want to display records in a visual board format with columns representing different stages or statuses. Users can see records organized by stage and track workflow progress.

Example: Display opportunities organized by stage (Prospecting, Qualification, Proposal, Closed Won) or cases organized by status (New, In Progress, Resolved).

## Collect Multi-Field or Complex Input

Use these components when input spans multiple related fields or when users need to enter repeating data.

[Address](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_address.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Simplify gathering address information by adding the Address component to a flow screen. The Address screen component shows a complete address form that’s customized to your settings. It can also use state and country/territory picklists.")

Use when you want users to enter a complete address with street, city, state, postal code, and country fields.

Example: Collect a shipping address or business location.

[Name](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_name.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users enter multiple name values with one screen component. Instead of the Name screen component, you can use Text input fields to capture name information, but it takes a lot more configuration.")

Use when you want users to enter a person's name with separate fields for salutation, first name, middle name, and last name.

Example: Collect a full name for a new contact or lead.

[File Upload](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_fileupload.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Let users upload files from a flow screen.")

Use when you want users to upload documents, images, or other files.

Example: Have users upload a resume, contract, invoice, or supporting documentation.

[Dependent Picklists](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_dependentpicklists.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Display picklists in a flow screen in which the options for one picklist depend on the selected value of another picklist. The Dependent Picklists screen component determines which options to display in each picklist by using an existing field dependency in your org. A field dependency connects two picklist fields on the same object.")

Use when the options in one picklist depend on the selection in another.

Example: First, users select a product category, then they select a specific product from that category.

[Repeater](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_repeater.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5 "Collect information about multiple items of the same type on a screen with the Repeater component. To use the output of the component elsewhere in the flow, loop over the output and save the relevant data in a variable. Use the variable to build a list of records.")

Use when users need to enter information about multiple items of the same type. Users can add or remove rows as needed.

Example: Have users add multiple attendees to an event, each with their own name and email fields, or collect information about multiple expense items.

- **[Choose a Lookup Option for a Flow Screen](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=platform.flow_ref_elements_screencmp_lookup_comparison.htm&release=264.0.0&type=5)**  
    Salesforce provides three ways for users to search for and select records on flow screens. Generally, use the Lookup component when you want users to search an unfiltered list of records. Use the Choice Lookup component when you want users to search a filtered list of records or static choices. Use a lookup record field when you want users to have the option to create a record from the lookup field. This table describes the differences between the three options.