How to Create Your First Web Form

January 26, 2023

First-time Jotform users often ask how to create a simple form, how to set up email notifications, how to embed a form on a website, how to test the form to see if it’s working, and how to view responses in your email and in Jotform Inbox. Got a tight schedule? Learn it all in two minutes with the video below.

Decide What To Ask

First, think about what kind of questions you want to ask your users. The best forms have higher conversion rates by keeping them short and simple. Many users will simply abandon a form if it has too many questions. So keep your forms as short and clear as possible.

State the Purpose in the Heading

You know why you’re creating this form, but visitors who land on your web page won’t know what your form does unless you tell them. Include a short heading, such as “Contact Us,” on your form. If it’s necessary, put additional information in the subheading.

Use Predefined Form Fields

Ask your visitors for their name and email address so you can keep track of your form submissions and follow up with visitors. Click Add Form Element on the left of the Form Builder. All of the standard form elements appear under the Basic tab.

first step of creating form

Use a Long Text Element for Long Answers

A large comment box allows visitors to provide longer responses. Use the Long Text element under the Basic tab of the Form Elements section.

long text field

Set Up Email Notifications

With email notifications, you’ll receive an email every time someone completes your form. Click Settings at the top, Emails on the left, and the plus (+) icon to add a new email notification.

Since you’re creating an email that will come to you, select notification email. You can use the Autoresponder when you need to send a confirmation email to a user who submitted your form.

create email field

For a more in-depth discussion on email notifications, refer to our Setting Up Email Notifications guide.

Embed Your Form into a Website

Embedding your form into a website is crucial to continuously collect data. To get your embed codes, click Publish at the top, then Embed in the left navigation. Choose the embed option that suits you best.

embed form into website

There are also specific ways of embedding your form into other website builders and CMS platforms. If you’re using one, go to the Platforms menu instead and pick the one you’re using.

publish platforms

Copy and paste the codes into your website’s source code, usually within the body tag, and your form will be integrated once you save the changes in your editor.

If you’re not sure which one to choose, read our Which Form Embed Code Should I Use guide.

Test Your Form To See if It’s Working

Test your form on your live website to see that notifications are going to your email and your Jotform Inbox. If nothing comes through, go back and check that you set up your form and notification email correctly.

Congratulations on setting up your first form! Feel free to return to this guide anytime you get lost. Tell us about your experience in creating your first form in the comments section below!

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