Airtable is a powerful cloud-based database tool that allows you to create customized databases to organize and manage data. One of the most useful features of Airtable is the ability to build forms that allow you to easily collect and input data into your databases.
Forms in Airtable provide an easy way for you and your team to submit information that will be automatically organized into your database. Forms can be used for a wide variety of purposes – from customer intake questionnaires to product order forms and more.
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Benefits of Using Forms in Airtable
There are many benefits to building forms in Airtable rather than using a separate form building tool:
- Streamlined data collection: Data submitted via forms flows directly into your Airtable databases, allowing for seamless data organization. There’s no need for manual data entry.
- Works with views and filters: Form submissions automatically appear in database views, allowing you to filter and organize entries.
- Mobile compatibility: Airtable forms work on desktop as well as Android and iOS mobile devices.
- Collaboration: Airtable forms can be filled out by colleagues and clients, allowing for streamlined collaboration.
- Customization: Forms allow for extensive customization options to tailor them to your specific needs.
How to Build a Form in Airtable
Building forms in Airtable is simple and only takes a few steps:
1. Create a New Table
Start by creating a new table in your Airtable workspace to store your form submissions. You can add fields to this table just like any other Airtable database. The fields should correspond to the data points you want to capture in your form.
Create a table
2. Open Form View
With your new table created, click on the “Form” tab to open the form view. This is where you’ll build out your form.
3. Set Up Form Fields
In form view, you’ll see default form fields already created based on the columns you added to your table. You can customize these fields or add new ones:
- Text: Allows text, numbers, email, phone, etc.
- Single Select: Dropdown menu for one choice
- Multiple Select: Checkboxes allow multiple choices
- Date: Select or type a date
- Attachments: Upload files
For each field, customize the label, description, required status, and more.
Customize form fields
4. Adjust Form Settings
Expand the “Settings” menu to customize options like:
- Form name and description
- Branding: Colors and logo
- Permissions: Who can access and fill out the form
Once your form is ready, share a link to the form or embed it on your website to start collecting submissions! New form responses will automatically populate your Airtable database.
You can view, edit, filter, and report on the collected data just like any other Airtable base.
Tips for Creating User-Friendly Forms
Here are some key tips for designing Airtable forms users will love:
Keep it short and simple
Don’t overwhelm users with overly long forms. Stick to essential data points. Use clear labels and descriptions.
Mobile optimization
Preview how your form looks on mobile devices. Adjust sizing or layout as needed.
Progress bar
Show users their completion progress. People are more likely to finish when they can track progress.
Use input masks
Guide users to enter properly formatted data using input masks for fields like phone numbers, emails, ZIP codes, etc.
Validation and error checks
Validate entries like email addresses to prevent incorrect submissions and reduce data cleaning work.
Confirmation message
Show a “Success!” confirmation after the form is submitted to provide closure.
Advanced Form Options
Airtable has additional powerful features you can use to create dynamic forms:
Conditional logic
Show or hide fields based on a previous selection to guide users to the right path. For example, show a “State” field only if “United States” is selected for country.
Dependent dropdowns
Have dropdown values filter dynamically based on previous selections. For example, show specific product options based on a selected product line.
Calculated values
Create fields that auto-calculate based on values entered in other fields to show totals, taxes, discounts, etc.
Lookups
Reference existing data in another table, allowing users to select options from your database. For example, choose from a list of existing customers.
Barcode scanning
Allow mobile users to scan a barcode to auto-populate product details into your order form.
Payment integration
Use third-party integrations like Stripe to collect payments directly through your Airtable form.
Email notifications
Get notifications when new form responses are submitted based on rules you configure.
Automations
Trigger workflows to process form data automatically, like sending Slack notifications, updating records, sending emails, and more.
