Build customizable forms without coding using these top tools
Introduction
Creating online forms can be a daunting task for many website owners and app developers who lack advanced coding skills. Often, custom forms require manual HTML/CSS manipulation or integration with complex form building libraries. This is where modern form building software comes in - it allows anyone to create customized forms through intuitive drag-and-drop editors and pre-made templates.
As websites and apps become more interactive, the need for flexible forms continues to grow. Online forms power everything from contact pages and email newsletters to user registration and ecommerce checkouts. The ability to quickly build forms to match specific use cases is crucial. Form builders eliminate the need for custom development and allow forms to be tailored on the fly.
In this post, we'll review some of the top form building tools available today. As a launchpad for developers, DevHunt aims to feature innovative developer tools like these form builders that can provide value to a wide range of users. Whether you need a simple contact form, multi-page survey, or to collect payments, these drag-and-drop form creators have you covered.
Overview of Key Form Building Features
Modern form builders share a common set of features that enable easy customization for diverse needs. These include drag-and-drop editors, templates, app integrations, submission management, and analytics.
Drag-and-Drop Form Editors
The hallmark of form builders is the intuitive drag-and-drop editor. These provide a WYSIWYG interface for:
- Adding text fields, dropdowns, images, videos, and other elements
- Dragging to reorder questions and sections
- Customizing colors, fonts, widths, and other styling
- Seeing real-time previews when building forms
- Easily making changes even after publishing
For example, Wufoo offers goal tracking to see how well forms are converting.
Drag-and-drop eliminates the need for coding skills. Forms can be built just by pointing and clicking.
Form Templates
Most form tools come pre-loaded with templates for common use cases. Typical templates include:
- Contact forms
- Event registrations like RSVPs and volunteer signups
- Surveys and quizzes
- Job applications
- Feedback forms
These templates provide an excellent starting point. They can be quickly customized by adding/removing fields and updating the content. For those new to form building, templates help kickstart the process.
Integrations
Connecting forms to external apps is crucial for managing submissions and responses. Common integrations include:
- CRMs like Salesforce to sync contacts
- Email marketing tools like MailChimp to build lists
- Databases to store entry data
- Analytics for monitoring form metrics
- Payment processors like Stripe and Square to collect payments
- 1000s more apps via Zapier
Data flows automatically between the form and integrated apps. This creates seamless workflows for handling form data.
Accept Payments
For use cases like event registrations and ecommerce, collecting payments directly within online forms is essential. Form builders integrate with payment gateways to enable:
- Accepting credit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods
- Configuring one-time or recurring billing
- Collecting donations, membership dues, online course fees
- Requiring pre-payment before form submission
Payment fields can be selectively added only to forms where needed.
Analytics
Monitoring form performance is easy with built-in analytics. Features include:
- Charts showing response volumes, conversions, and more
- Filtering and segmentation to analyze submissions
- Field-level data on response rates and drop-offs
- Goal tracking for desired actions and conversions
- Identifying areas for improvement
Analytics provide actionable insights into how forms are being used and converted.
Top Form Building Software
With the above features in mind, here are some of the most popular and full-featured form building tools available today:
Google Forms
Google's free form builder is included with all Google Workspace accounts. It provides a basic drag-and-drop editor to create surveys, quizzes, and other forms. The free version is best for simple use cases.
Typeform
Typeform specializes in beautiful, conversational forms. Advanced branching logic creates a smooth flow between questions. Animations and transitions make forms more engaging.
JotForm
JotForm offers pre-made templates for every major use case along with enterprise-grade capabilities like HIPAA compliance, payment processing, and conditional logic. Integrations abound.
Formstack
Boasting deep integrations with apps like Salesforce and MailChimp, Formstack is ideal for teams with advanced workflows and automation needs.
DevHunt Forms
The DevHunt form builder enables drag-and-drop creation, templates, payments, analytics, and Zapier integration. As a dev-focused platform, advanced customization and workflows are simplified for technical users.
There are many other excellent form building tools not covered here that may be a better fit depending on specific needs. The goal is to evaluate options based on key criteria.
Key Evaluation Criteria
When selecting a form builder, keep the following criteria in mind:
- Ease of use - The editor should be intuitive enough for non-coders
- Integrations - Connect the forms to other tools you already use
- Templates - More options provide flexibility to match various use cases
- Payments - Needed for ecommerce and events?
- Analytics - Crucial for monitoring and improving performance
- Budget - Some competitive free tiers are available
Prioritize the features that best align with your goals and use cases. There are quality form builders available at every price point.
Conclusion and Summary
Form building software has made creating customized online forms accessible to everyone. With drag-and-drop editors and templates, no coding is required. Leading solutions also provide deep app integrations, payment processing, and analytics.
We covered the essential features to look for and top form builders like Google Forms, Typeform, JotForm, Formstack, and DevHunt Forms. Consider key criteria like ease of use, number of integrations, and analytics when evaluating options.
The right form builder enables businesses, marketers, and developers to quickly build tailored online forms to suit their specific needs. For discovering and showcasing more innovative form solutions, check out DevHunt's collection of cutting-edge developer tools and services.