Form Field Types Explained

FormRobin offers 14 different field types to collect any information you need. Each field type is optimized for specific data with built-in validation and user-friendly interfaces.

Available Field Types

Short Text - Single-line text input
Long Text - Multi-line text area
Email - Email address with validation
Number - Numeric input only
Phone Number - Phone input with international format
URL - Website address with validation
Date - Date picker for selecting dates
Multiple Choice - Radio buttons (single selection)
Dropdown - Select menu (single selection)
Checkboxes - Multiple selection options
Checkbox - Single checkbox (yes/no, agree/disagree)
File Upload - File attachment field
Statement - Text block for instructions or information
Hidden Field - Store data without user input

Text Input Fields

Short Text

Use for: Names, titles, brief responses

Single-line text input
Optional character limits (min/max length)
Placeholder text support
Best for: First name, last name, job title, city

Long Text

Use for: Comments, descriptions, detailed feedback

Multi-line text area (resizable)
Optional character limits
Supports longer responses
Best for: Comments, feedback, project descriptions, cover letters

Specialized Input Fields

Email

Use for: Email addresses

Automatic email format validation
Built-in browser validation
Ensures valid email structure (name@domain.com)
Best for: Contact email, work email, notification address

Number

Use for: Numeric values, quantities, ages

Accepts only numeric input
Optional min/max value validation
Prevents non-numeric characters
Best for: Age, quantity, budget, score, year

Phone Number

Use for: Contact phone numbers

International phone number input
Country code selection
Auto-detects user's country
Format validation
Best for: Mobile number, office phone, emergency contact

URL

Use for: Website addresses

Validates URL format
Requires proper URL structure (http://example.com)
Built-in browser validation
Best for: Website, portfolio URL, LinkedIn profile, social media

Date

Use for: Dates and scheduling

Date picker interface
Calendar widget for easy selection
Ensures valid date format
Best for: Birthdate, event date, deadline, preferred appointment date

Selection Fields

Multiple Choice (Radio Buttons)

Use for: Single selection from multiple options

Radio button interface
User selects exactly one option
All options visible at once
Best for: Gender, size (S/M/L), yes/no questions, priority level

Use for: Single selection from many options

Dropdown select menu
User selects exactly one option
Options hidden until clicked (saves space)
Best for: Country, state, department, product category

Checkboxes (Multiple Selection)

Use for: Multiple selections from a list

Checkbox interface for each option
Users can select zero, one, or multiple options
All options visible at once
Best for: Interests, services needed, preferred contact methods

Checkbox (Single)

Use for: Single yes/no or agree/disagree response

Single checkbox field
Typically used for agreements or confirmations
Checked = yes/true, Unchecked = no/false
Best for: Terms and conditions, newsletter opt-in, confirmation statements

Content and Information Fields

Statement (Text Block)

Use for: Displaying information, instructions, or context

Displays text content without collecting user input
Not a question field - purely informational
Useful for section headers, instructions, disclaimers
Does not appear in form responses or exports
Best for: Section headers, instructions, privacy notices, disclaimers

💡 Example: Add a statement field before sensitive questions to explain why the information is needed.

File Upload

Use for: Document and file collection

Allows users to upload files
5MB maximum file size per file
One file per field
Common file types supported (PDF, images, documents)
Best for: Resumes, screenshots, contracts, photos, portfolios

Hidden Field

Use for: Storing data invisibly

Not visible to form visitors
Can be populated via URL parameters
Useful for tracking sources or campaign data
Best for: UTM parameters, referral codes, source tracking

How to Add Fields

Open your form in the Form Editor
Click Add Question or the + button
Select the field type from the dropdown
Configure the field:
- Label: The question or field name
- Description: Optional help text
- Required: Make field mandatory
- Placeholder: Example text (for text inputs)
Click Save

Common Field Settings

Most field types share these configuration options:

Label: Question text shown to users
Description: Optional help text below the field
Required: Makes field mandatory before submission
Placeholder: Example text inside the field (text inputs only)

Field Validation

Different field types have built-in validation:

Email: Validates email format automatically
URL: Validates URL structure automatically
Number: Accepts only numeric characters
Phone: Validates phone number format
Date: Ensures valid date selection
Text: Optional min/max character length

Choosing the Right Field Type

Consider these factors:

Data type: What information are you collecting?
User experience: What's easiest for users?
Validation needs: Do you need automatic format checking?
Response format: How will you use the data?

Examples:

Collecting email? Use Email field (not Short Text)
3-5 options? Use Multiple Choice
10+ options? Use Dropdown
Multiple selections allowed? Use Checkboxes
Single agreement checkbox? Use Checkbox
Adding instructions? Use Statement

Reordering Fields

In the Form Editor, click and hold the drag handle (⋮⋮) on a field
Drag the field up or down
Drop it in the desired position
Fields reorder automatically
Click Save when done

Editing Fields

Click on any field in the Form Editor
Field settings appear in the right panel
Make your changes (label, description, validation, etc.)
Changes save automatically or click Save

Deleting Fields

Click on the field you want to delete
Look for the trash/delete icon
Confirm deletion when prompted
Field is removed immediately

⚠️ Warning: Deleting a field that has existing responses will remove that data from your responses view.

Field Best Practices

Only ask what you need: Fewer fields = higher completion rates
Use clear labels: Avoid jargon or ambiguous questions
Provide examples: Use placeholder text to show expected format
Group related fields: Keep similar questions together
Use validation wisely: Validate format but don't over-restrict
Make required fields obvious: Use asterisks (*) or "required" labels
Use statements for clarity: Add instruction blocks before complex sections

Troubleshooting

Issue: Field type not available in dropdown.

Fix: Ensure you're on a current version of FormRobin. Refresh your browser. All 14 field types should be available to all plans.

Issue: Validation not working as expected.

Fix: Check field type matches your validation needs (use Email field for emails, not Short Text). Test with various inputs to verify validation rules.

Issue: Can't reorder fields.

Fix: Look for the drag handle icon (⋮⋮) on the left of each field. Click and hold to drag. Save form after reordering.

FAQ

Q: Can I change a field type after creating it?
A: Yes, click the field and change its type in the settings panel. Note: Changing field types may affect existing response data.

Q: How many fields can I add to one form?
A: There's no hard limit, but keep forms concise for better completion rates. Aim for 5-10 fields for most use cases.

Q: Can I duplicate a field?
A: Currently, you need to recreate similar fields manually. Consider duplicating the entire form if you need many similar fields.

Q: What's the difference between Checkboxes and Checkbox?
A: Checkboxes (plural) is for multiple options where users can select several. Checkbox (singular) is a single yes/no checkbox, typically for agreements.

Q: Do Statement fields appear in exported data?
A: No, Statement fields are for display only and do not appear in responses or CSV exports.

Need help choosing field types? Contact our support team - we're here to help!