Published Nov 12, 2023 ⦁ 8 min read

Build Custom Forms Fast with Form Building Software

Introduction

Form building software has become an invaluable tool for easily creating custom online forms without any coding required. With drag-and-drop form builders, anyone can build forms for surveys, questionnaires, registrations, lead captures, and more in just minutes. Form building software saves enormous amounts of time and money compared to developing forms from scratch. It also provides the flexibility to generate any type of online form you need for your business, with extensive options for customizing with your own branding, styles, logic, and third-party integrations. If you want to quickly deploy online forms that are optimized for conversions, form building software is the way to go.

Some of the key benefits of using dedicated form building software include:

  • No coding required - the intuitive drag-and-drop editors allow anyone to build forms visually.

  • Responsive mobile-friendly forms that work on any device.

  • Use form logic to branch questions, show/hide fields, calculate scores, validate data, and more.

  • Extensive libraries of templates, fields, and design elements to speed up form creation.

  • Easily embed forms anywhere with just a code snippet.

  • Integrate form data seamlessly with popular apps like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Google Sheets, and more.

  • Accept payments within forms using services like Stripe, PayPal, Square, and others.

With the right form building software, you can create feature-rich online forms perfectly aligned with your brand and business needs in no time. Let's explore the key capabilities these tools provide.

Core Capabilities of Form Building Software

Form building software tools aim to provide everything you need to create conversion-optimized online forms easily. Here are some of the core features they offer:

Drag and Drop Form Editor

An intuitive drag-and-drop form builder is the foundation of these tools. You can visually layout forms by adding fields, sections, images, and other elements via a simple editor. Adjust alignments, paddings, and other style settings visually. Customize fonts, colors, and branding elements like logos. Easily swap out field types or add new fields from a library of options including text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdowns, ratings, and more. Some form builders also allow inserting HTML, markdown, or embedding media like videos directly into forms.

Form Templates and Elements

Almost all form building software includes libraries of pre-built form templates and individual form elements to accelerate development. Browse templates for common forms like contact forms, event registrations, online orders, or surveys. Then customize the template for your needs. Save elements like newsletter signup boxes, contact forms, or feedback surveys for later reuse. The template libraries help you get started quickly.

Responsive and Mobile-Friendly

It's essential for online forms to work seamlessly on mobile and tablet devices these days. Form building tools handle all the responsive styling and behavior automatically. The forms they generate work perfectly across all devices. Mobile optimization features like automatic zooming on focus and touch overlays enhance the experience.

Advanced Form Logic

What sets dedicated form building software apart is the advanced logic features for creating smart, dynamic forms. Set up conditional logic to show or hide fields based on user responses. Branch your forms into different paths based on answers. Perform calculations dynamically to display scores or totals. Validate fields using custom rules, regex, or required values. Skip logic enables non-linear form flows by jumping ahead based on selections. These features allow you to create guided, personalized form experiences.

For example, you could build a registration form that only asks for a phone number if the user indicates they want to be contacted by phone. Or an order form that calculates shipping costs dynamically based on the products added to the cart.

Connectors and Integrations

A major benefit of form building software is the ability to automatically capture form submission data and send it to other apps and services for further processing. For example, you can:

  • Store all submissions directly into databases like Airtable or MySQL.
  • Push contact info to CRMs like Salesforce to create new leads.
  • Sync data with email services like Mailchimp to add subscribers to lists.
  • Send form data to cloud storage platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox.
  • Post submissions to communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Many form builders also provide plugins or embedded forms specifically for popular platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Squarespace sites.

Key Benefits of Using Form Building Software

Let's summarize some of the major benefits these tools provide:

  • Saves time - No need to code forms from scratch. Visually build responsive forms in minutes. For example, a form that would take days to code can be created in under an hour.

  • Lower cost - Much cheaper than paying developers to custom code forms. Form building subscriptions start under $10/month while dev work can cost hundreds an hour.

  • Easy to use - Intuitive drag and drop builders require no coding skills. Anyone in your organization can build forms.

  • Highly flexible - Create any type of form for any purpose. No limitations.

  • Quick deployment - Embed forms anywhere with a single code snippet. Get forms live in minutes.

  • Get up and running fast - Use templates and elements to accelerate form building. Build faster by customizing pre-made forms.

  • Make unlimited forms - No caps on the number of forms you can create. Build as many as you need.

  • Easy to edit later - Update and tweak forms anytime as needs change. Flexibly adapt forms.

  • No hosting required - Form software is all SaaS based. No servers to manage.

The right form building software can deliver a huge competitive advantage. You get access to powerful form creation capabilities without the need for development resources.

Top Form Building Software Solutions

There are a wide variety of form building software options available today, ranging from free tools to advanced enterprise-grade solutions. Here are some of the top platforms to consider:

JotForm

JotForm offers a very generous free plan and is especially good for surveys. Paid plans add white labeling, HIPAA compliance, data integrations, and more.

Typeform

Typeform specializes in conversational, interactive forms with gorgeous designs. It's pricier but great for customer satisfaction and research.

Formstack

Formstack focuses on enterprise needs with advanced features, Salesforce native integration, and strong data privacy controls.

Wufoo

Wufoo is very affordable starting at $14/mo. It offers a solid set of core form building capabilities.

Google Forms

Google Forms is free for simple forms if you have a Google account. Limited customization options.

FormCrafts

FormCrafts integrates tightly with WordPress sites for forms like contact pages, surveys, and event registrations.

DevHunt Forms

DevHunt Forms combines an intuitive drag-and-drop editor with advanced logic and hundreds of app integrations to easily create custom-branded forms that convert.

Here's a brief overview of some of the most popular platforms:

JotForm

  • Drag and drop form builder
  • Mobile ready forms
  • Accept payments
  • Zapier integration
  • HIPAA compliance available

Typeform

  • Conversational, interactive forms
  • Engaging designs and templates
  • Analytics dashboard
  • iOS and Android apps
  • Video backgrounds

Google Forms

  • Simple form builder
  • Free with Google account
  • Collect responses into Sheets
  • Basic templates
  • Limited customization options

Take time to evaluate your specific needs and find the right balance of ease of use, features, and price. Test out free trials before committing.

Tips for Creating Effective Online Forms

Here are some tips for creating effective online forms that maximize conversions:

  • Focus your forms on specific goals - signups, surveys, orders etc. Avoid overly broad forms.

  • Keep forms short and concise. Avoid asking for unnecessary inputs.

  • Use clean, minimal design for forms. Avoid clutter.

  • Personalize forms with your brand logo, colors, and messaging.

  • Add conditional logic to only ask for phone numbers if users want calls.

  • Send customized confirmation messages on form submission.

  • Thoroughly test forms on mobile, desktop, and different browsers.

  • Promote your forms across websites, email, and social channels. Insert them prominently.

Following these best practices will result in forms that deliver higher quality leads and conversions.

Conclusion

Form building software provides anyone the ability to quickly build custom online forms for their business needs without any coding required. The drag-and-drop editors, responsive templates, advanced logic features, and data integrations offered by these tools enable you to create forms that engage users and capture high quality leads.

Using dedicated form building software can save enormous amounts of time and money compared to custom development. The best products provide all the features needed to build unlimited forms optimized for conversions with total flexibility. Carefully evaluate your needs and choose the right platform based on features, ease of use, and budget factors. By following form design best practices, you can deploy effective online forms that deliver results.

If you're looking for an intuitive yet powerful form building solution, check out DevHunt Forms. Their user-friendly drag and drop editor makes it easy for anyone to create custom-branded forms with advanced logic and hundreds of app integrations. Sign up for a free trial today to start building high converting forms in minutes.