Each field type handles one kind of answer, and arrives with validation and an interface suited to it. Pick the type that matches the answer you want rather than collecting everything as text, and most of the checking is done for you.
You add fields from the Select Element Type dropdown in the Form Builder's toolbar.
Basic Input Fields
Text
A single line, for names, titles, and short answers.
- Supports input masks for formatting, such as ID codes and postal codes.
- Takes custom placeholder text.
- Cap the length with an input rule such as
max:100.
Text Area
A multi-line box, for longer answers, comments, and detailed feedback. Answers are plain text; when the respondent should be able to format their answer, use Rich Text instead.
Rich Text
A multi-line editor with formatting: bold, lists, links. Use it when the answer itself benefits from structure, such as meeting minutes or a written procedure.
A single line that checks the value looks like an email address.
- Email format is validated automatically, so an invalid address cannot be submitted.
- Can be used to send a receipt when the form takes a payment, or to notify the address entered - see Notifications.
Phone Number
A phone field with formatting and validation wired together: the mask shapes the number as it is typed, and matching validation is generated automatically to fit.
Number
Accepts numeric answers and rejects anything else. Give it a mask when you want a specific shape, such as currency - though note a mask replaces the automatic numeric check with its own shape.
Selection Fields
Select (Dropdown)
A dropdown menu of options; the respondent picks one.
- Allow Other lets someone enter a value that is not on the list.
- Can draw on a shared list, so the same options stay consistent across forms.
- When respondents should pick more than one, use Checkbox instead.
Autocomplete
A searchable field backed by an option list: the respondent starts typing and picks from the matches, or enters their own value. The best fit for long lists - staff directories, product catalogs - where a dropdown would be unwieldy.
Radio Buttons
A list of options where only one may be chosen. Best for yes/no questions and short sets of choices.
- Allow Other is available here too.
Checkboxes
A list of options where several may be chosen.
- Allow Other covers items you did not list.
- Each option can carry a quantity, which suits things like product orders.
Long option lists do not have to be typed in one at a time. See Importing List Options.
Date and Time Fields
Date
A date picker with a calendar.
- Three display formats: the default, one that includes the day of the week, and the American month-first style.
- Works on mobile.
- To restrict answers to past or future dates, use an input rule such as
after:today.
Time
A time picker for a single time of day. Pair two Time fields with a Calculated field to work out a duration.
Specialized Fields
File Upload
Accepts documents and images.
- Turn on Multiple to let several files be uploaded to one field.
- Restrict what may be sent with input rules:
mimes:pdf,jpglimits the types, andmax:limits the size. - Upload progress is shown while the file transfers.
Signature
Captures a signature drawn on screen.
- Works with both a mouse and a fingertip.
- The drawing area is sized for mobile.
- The signature image is stored with the submission.
- Can require the respondent to acknowledge an eSign consent statement before signing.
Payment
Collects money through Stripe. A form can have one Payment field.
- Takes either a fixed amount or a total worked out from other fields, by reading a Calculated field.
- Billing can be one-time or recurring: weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
- A processing fee can be added to the amount.
- A receipt is generated automatically.
Advanced Fields
Calculated
Works out a value from other fields on the form. The result updates as the form is filled in.
- Combines numbers with sum, multiply, subtract, or divide.
- Calculates an age from a date field, or the time difference between two Time fields.
- The Output Format setting controls presentation: a plain number, currency, or a formatted number - and for time differences, hours and minutes, total minutes, or decimal hours.
- Often paired with a Payment field so the amount charged depends on the answers.
Composite
Builds one value out of several fields, such as joining a first and last name into a full name, or assembling a formatted address. You define the shape with a template containing placeholders for the other fields.
Group
A repeating set of fields. You define the fields once, and the respondent clicks Add Row to fill them in as many times as they need, which is how you collect household members, emergency contacts, or line items without knowing in advance how many there will be.
The fields you put in the group become the columns of each row, and the rows are numbered. In the group's editor you can cap the number of rows with Maximum Rows, change the Additional Row Label on the add button, and sort the finished rows by any of the group's fields. The whole group can be shown or hidden as a unit with conditional logic.
Content Only
Displays text rather than collecting an answer. Use it for instructions, terms, and explanations. It supports formatted text and can also display an image or file you upload, with a configurable display width.
Pre-built Bundles
Two entries in the type dropdown add a block of related fields in one step, after a confirmation prompt.
Name adds:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Full Name, combined automatically from the two above
Address adds:
- Street Address
- City
- State, with a dropdown of US states
- Zip Code
The fields arrive as ordinary fields - rename or adjust them like any other.
Field Settings
The editor shows the settings that fit the type, so not everything below appears on every field.
Validation
- Required - the form cannot be submitted until the field has a value. Display-only and computed types (Content, Calculated, Composite, Group) are never required; a Group's individual fields can be.
- Input Rules - extra requirements written as input rules, checked as the respondent types.
Display
- Name - the field label shown to users.
- Placeholder - example text shown while a typed field is empty.
- Help Text - instructions shown below the field.
- Edit Visibility - show or hide the field with a rule.
- Insert page break after this element - starts a new page here when the submission is printed.
- Priority Sort Order - marks the field as one of the answers shown in the submissions list, and in what order.
Formatting
- Input Masks - format the value as it is typed, such as
999-999-9999. See Input Masks.
Related
- Form Builder - adding and arranging fields
- Validation - controlling what a field accepts
- Input Masks - formatting values as they are typed
- Input Rules - the full rule reference
- Importing List Options - bulk-loading Select, Radio, and Checkbox options