Create Forms
To create a form, you'll start by naming it and then using the Form Builder to design its structure, configure settings, and prepare it for launch—all from a simple multi-tab interface.
- Go to Content > Forms (Beta)
- Click +New.
- Enter a name for your form.
- The name of the form must be unique.
- Click Create to enter the Form Builder.
Forms are not stored as Assets. They live in their own section and are managed separately.
The Form Builder opens in a multi-tab interface:
- Form (Builder tab): Drag and drop fields
- Properties: Manage title and description and copy embed code
- Access: Control permissions
- Email: Configure internal/external notifications
- Submissions: View form data (after launch)
Adding Fields to Your FormLink to this section
Use the panel on the left to drag elements into your form canvas. When you select a field, its settings appear in the right-hand panel.
🖱️ Pro tip: Hover or click over a field to delete it using the trash icon, or drag fields to reorder them.
Available Elements
Form elements are the building blocks of your form, they define the kinds of input you collect from users.
If you attempt to create a label like “Credit Card” or “SSN,” the system will warn you.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Short Text / Long Text |
Input fields for single-line (Short Text) or multi-line (Long Text) responses. |
| A text input field that validates for a proper email format (e.g., name@example.com). Also used to trigger external notification emails. | |
| Radio Buttons | A set of options where the user can select only one. |
| Checkboxes | A list of options where the user can select multiple items. |
| Dropdowns | A menu that lets the user choose one option from a list. |
| Toggle (On/Off) | A switch-style control for binary choices (e.g., Yes/No). |
| Date, Time, and DateTime Pickers | Prebuilt controls for selecting calendar dates, clock times, or both. |
|
Free Text | An HTML block used to display static instructional content inside the form. JavaScript is not allowed for security reasons. |
When editing options-based elements (e.g., checkboxes or dropdowns), use the Options panel to add, reorder, or remove choices and set defaults.
Field Controls
Each form element can be customized using the controls in the right-hand panel. These settings determine how the field behaves and what it looks like to users:
| Control | Description |
|---|---|
| Label | The field name that appears to users and is used as the column title in submission data. |
| Help Text | A short instruction or tip that appears below the field to help guide the user. |
| Placeholder | Text displayed inside the field before any input is provided. Disappears once the user starts typing. |
| Default Value | A pre-filled value that appears in the field when the form loads. |
| Required | If checked, the user must complete the field before submitting the form. |
| Read-only | The field appears filled out but cannot be edited by the user (its value is still submitted). |
| Validation | Optional input rules to ensure proper formatting. Supports min/max character lengths and regular expressions (regex). |
The form preview updates as you edit, but changes won’t take effect until you click Launch.
The Checked-Out Content gadget does not currently include Forms. To ensure you don't have a form checked out, use the Forms list view. You must manually check in forms from the Forms (Beta) interface.
Form SettingsLink to this section
Use the Form Settings panel to configure how your form is identified, how it responds to submissions, and how email notifications are handled.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Success Behavior |
Determines what will happen when the form submits successfully. Options are:
Use the dropdown to select the desired behavior. If you choose Redirect Page, enter the destination URL in the Redirect URL field below. |
| Redirect URL (optional) |
If you want users sent to another page (e.g., a thank-you landing page) after submitting the form, paste the full URL here. Leave blank to show the success message. |
| Success Message |
Message shown after a successful form submission. Provide a friendly confirmation (e.g., “Thanks for contacting us! We’ll follow up soon.”). This appears on-screen unless you redirect with a Redirect URL. |
| Failure Message |
Message shown if the form fails to submit. Explain what went wrong and how to proceed (e.g., “Submission failed. Please try again or contact support.”). |
| Custom Styles URL |
A publicly accessible URL pointing to a custom CSS file used to style your form. Paste the full URL of your stylesheet. This will not be shown while building the form but be applied to the form when launched or previewed. See more about using custom CSS with forms. Form elements support |
| Submit Button Text |
The label that appears on the button used to submit the form. Customize the button text to better match the action (e.g., “Send Message”, “Register”, or “Apply Now”). |
| Reply-To Email |
The address that receives replies if someone replies to the email. Use a monitored inbox, like forms@school.edu or noreply@domain.edu (if replies aren’t accepted). |
| Reply-To Name |
The name shown in the “From” line of email notifications. Use something recognizable like “Admissions Office” or “Financial Aid Support.” |
| Send Internal Email |
Sends notification emails to CMS users or staff when someone fills out the form. Enter one or more email addresses, separated by commas. These recipients will get a copy of the form submission. |
| Send External Email |
Sends an email to the person who filled out the form. Choose the field from your form that collects the submitter’s email address. Use this to confirm submission or provide follow-up info. |
Default success/failure messages are built-in, but disabled until configured.
After updating settings, use the Launch button to publish a new version.