[Guide] Getting Started With Public Forms
Getting started with Public Forms is easy and allows businesses of all sizes the ability to efficiently collect forms and data from anyone
Are you unfamiliar with the term Public Form and not sure how to get started? This guide will not only explain what the Public Forms feature is and how to use it, but also illustrate the incredible benefits you can anticipate when using this feature.
What is a Public Form?
Public Forms is our form sharing feature which enables users to share a link to an editable online form with users outside of their GoFormz account, to be filled out and completed. These digital forms can be shared pre-filled with information and can be configured so that only specific fields are editable to external contributors, allowing your operation to control what aspects of a form can be completed. You can even add expiration dates to your Public Form, limiting form submissions to a predetermined time range.
This functionality greatly simplifies sharing and collecting forms when working with clients, colleagues, students, patients, and much more. Leveraging this feature to share fillable forms with external collaborators drastically enhances client-facing document collection processes, accelerates productivity, and streamlines data capture.
What is the difference between Public Forms and other digital forms?
A digital form can only be edited by GoFormz users within your account, while Public Forms allow GoFormz users to share fillable forms with anyone, for them to fill out and complete – even individuals outside of your GoFormz account.
“I can’t stress enough how many new opportunities the use of Public Forms has opened up for us.”
Two methods for sharing Public Forms: Single-Use or Multi-Use
This form-sharing feature can be used in one of two ways:
Single-Use: A single-use Public Form is exactly as it sounds – it can be filled out only once, and is configured using an existing form in your account. This is ideal for any situation where you only need to collect limited data (e.g. collecting a Signature) from an individual. Once this form has been submitted, it cannot be submitted again.
Multi-Use: Multi-use Public Forms can be filled out numerous times, and is a great solution for capturing data from multiple sources or large groups. For example, a multi-use form is an excellent tool for customer feedback forms, surveys, permission slips, questionnaires, job applications, new client intake forms, productivity forms, and much more. Setting up a multi-use form is accomplished by making a Template public (learn the difference between a Form and a Template here). Multi-use Public Forms can even be equipped with expiration dates, limiting how long people outside of your organization can input data into the Public Form.
How do I create a Public Form?
Every GoFormz account offers 15 free Public Forms credits – allowing your organization the opportunity to test-drive this powerful feature completely free. Each Public Form submission is equivalent to one credit, however, please note that a Public Forms credit is only used once a form is submitted (not when it is created).
To start sharing links to your online forms with individuals outside of your account, log in to GoFormz from your computer and follow the instructions below:
Select Public Forms from the menu bar.
Either select the ‘Get Started’ button in the middle of the screen or ‘Create’ in the upper right-hand corner of the window. Both options will generate the same pop-up window.
Select whether you want to create a multi-use or single-use form based on your desired needs. For this example, we will select ‘Choose a Template’.
Choose which Template you would like to share. Then select ‘Next’.
Select which fields you would like to make editable by the recipient.
[Optional Step]: Add an expiration date to limit the period of time recipients have to complete the form.
Click ‘Save Public Form’. Once saved, you can copy your form link and post it to your website, email, or more.
When a form is submitted using the newly generated link, you can instantly view the document in your GoFormz account in one of two ways:
Navigating to the Forms tab and selecting the name of the submitted form.
Opening the Actions Menu next to the Public Form within the Public Forms tab and selecting ‘View Forms’.
Use Case Example: Customer Care Claims
A current GoFormz user, Balmain & Co., leverages multi-use Public Forms to support the flow of information into their Balmain & Care program. Their multi-use form is used to provide a simple way for purchasers, residents, and building managers to log customer care claims easily from any device and any location. This functionality has greatly enhanced their ability to respond to customer claims quickly and efficiently – increasing customer satisfaction.
Additional Public Forms guides and resources:
Public Forms allow your business to efficiently and effectively collect data from users outside of your organization, improving client-facing professionalism and enhancing business operations. Leveraging this powerful tool is easy and only takes a few minutes to get set up. For further information to help get you started with Public Forms or illustrate the various benefits of using this powerful feature, check out the following blogs below:
FAQ: How do I add an Expiration Date to my Public Forms? - GoFormz
FAQ: How do I configure my Public Form to be Single or Multi-Use? - GoFormz
Public Forms are a powerful resource for any business – see how easy it is to share editable forms with users outside of your account, or if you have more questions feel free to reach out to our sales team.
