Is JavaScript the only way to create custom check boxes for interactive PDFs?

Question

I'm trying to make an interactive PDF document in InDesign CC 2018.

I need the document to include dozens of buttons that change from an outlined circle to a filled-in circle, and stay filled-in, when the user clicks and releases them.

Check boxes could do this. But InDesign adds tick marks to checkboxes. I don't want this: I need a circle outline or a filled-in circle.

Is there any way to do this using InDesign's tools? Or is this something that could only be done by using JavaScript?

I know this could be done using Acrobat Pro, but due to number of the check boxes and how they have to be positioned, I'd prefer to do this in InDesign.

Thanks.

Answer 1

First of all, you must choose whether you want radio buttons or check boxes.

As a reminder: check-boxes allow multiple selection, while radio button allow only a single selection.
By convention, radio buttons are designed with circles and check-boxes with ticks, but Indesign definitely allows you to customize your buttons the way you like...

See https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/using/interactivity-5.html#create_buttons for documentation about multi-states buttons.

Fyi, Indesign provides a library with example buttons. But if you start designing your buttons from scratch, it will create a tick by default for check-boxes. You can just transform this tick into an ellipse - using "object > transform shape", or delete it and recreate your circle.
Or create your full circle at first, group it, transform into a check box and just delete the tick. Delete the full circle in the "inactive" state.

See a very basic example of a checkbox created from scratch: You can add click states and/or hover states if you wish.