Form fields capture specific data types through configured input controls. Each field connects to your data table and includes settings for appearance, validation, and user guidance.
Editing Fields
Select any field in the form editor to open the Field settings panel on the right. This panel controls how the field appears, what data it collects, and what rules users must follow.
The form preview updates immediately as you change settings. Required fields display an asterisk next to their label.
Field Configuration
Field Name
Change the label that appears above the input field. Use clear, specific names that tell users exactly what information to provide. The field name is separate from the underlying data source.
Data Section
Field source shows which data table field stores the collected information. Click "Edit field" to change the connection or create a new field in your data table. Field types available depend on your data table configuration.
Appearance Section
Helper text adds instructional text below the field. Enable this toggle to provide examples, clarify expectations, or explain why information is needed.
Multiline expands text fields into larger text areas. Enable for descriptions, observations, or any content requiring multiple lines of input.
Some field types include additional appearance settings:
- Placeholder text: Example text inside empty fields that disappears when users start typing
- Options: Choice lists for single select and multi select fields
- Scale: Minimum and maximum values for rating fields
- Photo limit: Maximum number of images for image fields
Rules Section
Required field makes the field mandatory for form submission. Users cannot complete the form without providing a value. Use sparingly to avoid frustrating users with unnecessary requirements.
Some field types enforce automatic validation. Number fields accept only numeric input. Email fields verify proper format. Phone fields validate number structure. Date fields ensure valid dates through the date picker interface.
Field Types
Different field types capture different data formats. Text fields collect free-form input. Number fields accept numeric values. Boolean fields provide yes/no toggles. Date fields use date pickers. Select fields offer predefined choices. Rating fields use numerical scales. Phone and email fields validate specific formats. Image fields enable photo uploads.
Detailed field type specifications are covered in the data table documentation.
Configuration Tips
Group related fields logically in your form layout. Users complete forms more accurately when information flows naturally from one section to the next.
Mark only essential fields as required. Every required field adds friction to the form completion process. Consider whether you truly need the information before enforcing it.
Add helper text to fields that might be ambiguous. Clear instructions reduce errors and improve data quality without requiring user support.
Choose structured field types over free-form text when possible. Single select fields provide better data consistency and enable filtering and map visualization.
Test forms on mobile devices before deployment. Field labels, helper text, and input controls should work well on smaller screens where most field data is collected.
Set validation rules that match real-world use cases. Overly strict validation blocks legitimate entries while lenient validation allows poor quality data.
Consider how collected data will be used. Fields intended for map visualization or filtering should use structured types like select or rating rather than text.
