Discover the difference between using Duplicated and Replicated Fields in the GoFormz platform

What is a Duplicate Field?

A Duplicate field is when a user copies and pastes a form field in the GoFormz Template Editor. Imagine you're building a new Template, and you find yourself wanting different versions of a Text field. That's where Duplicate Fields come in handy. They make it a breeze to create various iterations of a form field, streamlining the whole process of crafting new form Templates. Duplicating fields is as simple as using the standard copy-and-paste functions on your keyboard once your field is selected. Please note: copies of a field are not linked to the original field.

What is a Replicate Field?

A Replicate field is a fantastic way to expedite data entry and save time if a Form needs to show the same data across multiple fields. When you would like the data entered in one field to automatically be populated in other fields within the same Form, this is where the Replicating feature comes in handy. Here’s how to use the Replicating feature:

1. In the Template Editor, drag and drop the field you’ll be replicating from the Template Fields section on the left side of your screen.

2. On the right hand side of the panel menu, there is an ‘Existing’ option, select it and a list of your existing form fields will display. 

3. Locate the field you wish to replicate and drag it onto your desired location. This creates another instance of that field, with the exact same field name and properties.

When to Use a Replicate Field or a Duplicate Field

Due to their similar nature but drastic differences in capabilities, it’s important to understand when to use a Replicate field compared to a Duplicate field. Here are some examples:

• Patient Intake Forms: There are various HIPAA forms that are a great Replicating feature example. With patient intake forms, form users would be required to complete their name once, and then their name will automatically populate throughout the rest of the document, further streamlining the patient experience. 

• Sign-In Sheets: With digital sign-in sheets, using the Duplication feature enables users to quickly create a sign-in form from Text fields. By copying and pasting the original Text field placed onto the Form, various iterations of that same field can be created in a matter of seconds. 

• Contracts: Digital contracts provide a perfect example of how Replicate fields can be utilized effectively. Whether your contract involves 100 signatures or just 10, leveraging the Replication feature means you only have to fill out one name field, and the rest will automatically populate.

Whether you’re using mobile forms to complete various forms in the field or are using an online fillable form to share with other individuals outside of your organization, building and sharing forms doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the use of Duplicate and Replicate fields, you can streamline your initial form-building process exponentially! Get started today with your free trial below.