An HTML Form Builder is a tool or platform that helps you quickly create HTML forms for collecting user input on websites or applications, without having to manually write the HTML code. These tools allow you to visually design forms by dragging and dropping form elements, then generate the corresponding HTML code that you can embed in your website.
Why Use an HTML Form Builder?
Ease of Use: It allows non-developers or beginners to create complex forms without needing to know HTML or JavaScript.
Customization: You can create forms with a variety of fields (textboxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, drop-down menus, etc.) and customize their appearance and behavior.
Save Time: It automates much of the repetitive work in form creation, like coding the structure, labels, and input fields.
Validation: Many builders include built-in validation options (like required fields or input types) that are easy to configure.
Integration: Some HTML form builders let you easily integrate form submissions with back-end services or email notifications.
Common Features in HTML Form Builders:
Drag and Drop Interface: You can add elements like text fields, radio buttons, checkboxes, dropdowns, date pickers, and more, with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
Field Customization: Set properties like labels, placeholder text, field size, and required/optional status.
Validation: Set up rules for user inputs, like email format, number range, or required fields.
Styling: Apply basic styling or themes to your form fields without writing custom CSS.
Export Code: After building the form, you can typically export the HTML and embed it directly into your site or application.
Form Handling: Some builders include built-in functionality for handling form submissions (e.g., sending form data to an email, a database, or integrating with third-party services like Google Sheets or Zapier).
Popular HTML Form Builder Tools:
JotForm:
JotForm offers an easy-to-use drag-and-drop form builder that lets you create forms for surveys, contact forms, payments, and more.
It includes various templates, customization options, and integrations.
Formstack:
A versatile form builder with advanced options for customization, workflows, and integrations. It's commonly used for collecting business data and leads.
Typeform:
Known for its beautiful, user-friendly forms. Typeform focuses on creating conversational and engaging forms with a simple user interface.
Google Forms:
A free, basic form builder that integrates well with Google Sheets. It's great for simple surveys and data collection, though customization options are limited.
123FormBuilder:
Offers a simple drag-and-drop interface with templates and integrations. It's ideal for creating forms for a wide range of uses (contact, order, registration, etc.).
Formsite:
An easy-to-use form builder with advanced features like conditional logic, payment integrations, and customizable themes.
Wufoo:
A popular choice for creating custom forms with built-in analytics, payment collection, and integrations with third-party apps.
Telerik Kendo UI Form Builder:
A more developer-focused tool that offers advanced customization, especially for complex enterprise-level forms.
Example of a Simple HTML Form (Without a Builder):
If you wanted to create a basic contact form manually, it might look like this:
html
<form action="/submit_form" method="POST">
<label for="name">Name:</label>
<input type="text" id="name" name="name" required><br><br>
<label for="email">Email:</label>
<input type="email" id="email" name="email" required><br><br>
<label for="message">Message:</label><br>
<textarea id="message" name="message" rows="4" cols="50" required></textarea><br><br>
<input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>
This is a very simple form with three fields: name, email, and message, and a submit button.
When to Use an HTML Form Builder:
If you're building a website and need a quick, functional form without writing complex code.
If you need specific features like payment processing, conditional logic, or multi-step forms but don't want to code them from scratch.
If you're a beginner and want to avoid getting bogged down with the technicalities of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.