Form Elements

Form elements are the building blocks of a public form.

They define what the user sees, what information is collected, and how the form guides the user through the submission.

Text Answers

Use text fields for short answers such as names, email addresses, reference numbers, or short descriptions.

Use text areas for longer answers such as comments, explanations, descriptions, or notes.

Choices

Use dropdowns when the user should choose one option from a longer list.

Use radio buttons when the user should choose one option and all choices should be visible at once.

Use checkbox groups when the user can choose multiple options.

Use a single checkbox for confirmations, consent, opt-ins, or yes/no statements.

Dates and Times

Use date fields for dates such as birth dates, appointment dates, deadlines, or event dates.

Use time fields when the user needs to provide a specific time, duration, arrival time, or departure time.

Text and Structure

Use titles to divide a form into sections.

Use paragraphs for instructions, introductions, explanations, legal text, consent information, or other guidance.