Understanding form builder

2. Understand the form builder layout

The builder shows a field palette on one side and a central workspace where you drag fields into place, with a properties panel to configure each field or the form as a whole.

3. Customise field properties

You can edit each field to suit your data collection goals. Key options include:

• Field Names and Links: use clear, business appropriate labels, for example “Postcode” rather than “Zip”.
• Choices: add preset options for dropdown, radio or multi-select fields.
• Validation: make fields mandatory where needed.
• Data Privacy and Encryption: protect sensitive data such as identification numbers or health details.
• Appearance: set input field sizes and add help text.
• Mobile Input: enable QR or barcode scanning for mobile use.
• Visibility: restrict a field to certain user roles, such as admin only.

4. Customise form-level settings

In the Form Properties tab, you can configure:

Submission settings

• Before submission: add a confirmation checkbox.
• Drafts: allow users to save a draft for up to 15 days.
• After submission: show a thank you message, send a confirmation email, or redirect users.

Data collection

• Location and IP capture: record where a form was submitted from, with consent.
• Geofencing: only accept entries from specific locations.

Entry controls

• Enable CAPTCHA to stop automated submissions.
• Limit submissions to one entry per user or per IP address.
• Restrict a form to certain dates.

Appearance

• Rename buttons, for example “Submit Now” or “Cancel”, adjust the layout, or change the field tab order.

Connection management

• Track the APIs or third party integrations used by the form.

5. Manage and share forms

Use the vertical ellipsis (⋮) menu to:

• Rename, duplicate or delete your form.
• Create stateless forms, which do not store the submitted data in Zoho Creator, for secure processing elsewhere.
• Build reports, such as list, calendar or kanban views, from the submitted data.

Tips

• Use clear, familiar labels for the fields your users expect.
• Enable encryption and data privacy settings for sensitive fields to support GDPR compliance.
• Use drafts for longer forms, such as onboarding or application forms.
• Use geofencing to restrict a form to a particular region or set of clients.