So like many UI developers, I am always looking for new and useful jQuery plugins that I can use to simplify forms and make things easier for the end user. One particular case had me trying to figure out how to make multiple selection possible in a limited space.

The answer came in the form of Eric Hynds’ jQuery UI MultiSelect Widget. This plugin packs so much into such a little area. It replaces the default multiple select tag with a jQuery UI styled combo box. That was really all I needed, but this little plugin packed in much more.

Eric out did himself and created a supporting plugin that helps to filter the content within the combo box. This added to the user friendliness that my project needed.

I think my only gripe is that there is no way to set an fixed width. While the minWidth property is wonderful, there is no way to keep the selection from growing larger. My suggestion would be to have a fixed width with the combo box able to be larger than the initial width of the selection box.

If you are looking for a great plugin that you can use in place of long checkbox lists or multiple select boxes, I highly recommend this one.