With the core Doodlekit features honed and ready, we've started creating "add-ons" to extend the default functionality.  We already have a handful of ideas in mind, such as E-Commerce, Calendars, and/or Newsletters.  One of the first to actually be released has been the Form Builder, which allows you to create custom web forms to collect information from visitors.

You could create a newsletter form to collect contact information, or possibly an RSVP form for an event.  The results can be emailed to you, posted publicly, and/or downloaded as a Comma Separated Value file.  

To start, click on the "add-ons" menu link from the admin screen.  Then select the "Form Builder" and you will be taken to the "New Form" screen.  

There are many options on this first page.

• Form Name - Will be used in the page title, as well as the menu
• Sub Header - Displayed directly below the Form Name on the actual form page
• Thank You Message - This message is displayed after the form is filled out
• Email Results? - Automatically Email every form submission to the email defined in settings
• Show Results Publicly? - Display the results under the form
• Message - A custom message that will be displayed above the form

These options basically setup everything but the Form itself. When you click "Continue" you are taken to the actual form field builder.

When you first create a Form you can select form a set of Pre-built fields. For example you can select "Newsletter" which simply asks for a Name and Email Address.  If you'd like to create a form from scratch, just start adding fields.  

To add a field, enter a label and select a type.  The label will be displayed next to the form fields, and the type determines how the data for that field is collected.  The field types Radio Buttons, Checkboxes, and Drop Down require you to enter a list of values for the user to choose from.  A box will appear to the right, and you can enter the values, each on its own line.  The "Required?" checkbox ensures that all users enter something for that field.  When your ready, click the "Save Field" button and your new field will appear below.

You can continue to add as many fields as you like.  To edit a field, click "edit" next to it on the Form Preview.  The field will be re-loaded above, where you can modify it, and then click "Save Field" again.  You can also delete or move fields up and down from the Form Preview.

Once you are happy with it, click "Finished" and you will be taken to the newly created Form.  

You'll notice that the Form was automatically added to your website menu.  You can remove it by hiding it in the page/menu admin.  You can also delete the Form from this same admin screen.  

Depending on which options you selected, the results will be emailed to you and/or displayed below the form.  You can also download the results in CSV format by clicking on "download results" from the actual Form page.

Forms can be very valuable to get feedback from your users.  Use them carefully however, as asking for to much information may keep people from providing it.  Think about what information you really want to collect.  For example many people ask for a mailing address, however they never actually use this information.

So if you don't have a Doodlekit account yet, get one and try it out.  Let us know if you have any questions.