---
title: Usage
position: 2
seo_title: Guidelines for Using the DropDownTree Component
seo_description: Get the knack of the Telerik and Kendo UI DropDownTree 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 DropDownTree requires you to follow some basic principles when using the component.

### Presented Information

Avoid using the DropDownTree for data that is familiar to users, such as the day, month, or year of their birth. The user can type in such data faster than finding the specific values within a hierarchical list of options. For familiar types of data, use an Input component instead.

<DosDonts>
<Do description="Use an Input component when the data is familiar to users.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI Input component used instead of the DropDownTree](images/components-dropdowntree-usage-when-not-to-use-do.png "For information that is known to the user, utilize the Input component instead of the DropDownTree")</Do>
<Dont description="Avoid using a hierarchical list of options for data that can be easily typed in.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI DropDownTree component used incorrectly to represent familiar information](images/components-dropdowntree-usage-when-not-to-use-dont.png "Avoid using the Telerik and Kendo UI DropDownTree component for information that is known to the users.")</Dont>
</DosDonts>


### Item Content

Consider the width of the DropDownTree and keep the names of its options short and compact so that they fit within the component. Long item names that get truncated are hard to perceive and must be avoided.

<DosDonts>
<Do description="Keep the description of the DropDownTree options as short as possible to improve readability.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI DropDownTree component including options with compact names](images/components-dropdowntree-usage-options-with-compact-names-do.png "Consider the available space and use option names that fit into the DropDownTree")</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 DropDownTree component with too long option names](images/components-dropdowntree-usage-options-with-compact-names-dont.png "Avoid using too long option names in the Telerik and Kendo UI DropDownTree component")</Dont>
</DosDonts>


### Label

The label of the DropDownTree 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 DropDownTree is next to another component which already has a label. The label of the DropDownTree 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 DropDownTree.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI DropDownTree component with a label](images/components-dropdowntree-usage-label-do.png "Use concise labels for the Telerik and Kendo UI DropDownTree.")</Do>
<Dont description="Avoid using the DropDownTree without a label as this compromises the intuitiveness of the component, leading to confusion and frustration.">![A Telerik and Kendo UI DropDownTree component missing a label](images/components-dropdowntree-usage-label-dont.png "Avoid using the Telerik and Kendo UI DropDownTree component without a label.")</Dont>
</DosDonts>