How to Create Your First Web Form

February 26, 2025

For first-time Jotform users, getting started often begins with a few common questions. Many users want to know how to Create a Simple Form, Set up Email Notifications, and Embed a Form on a Website to collect responses. They also frequently ask how to test their form to ensure it’s working correctly and how to view submitted responses both via email and in the Jotform Inbox. Understanding these basics helps users streamline their workflow and make the most of Jotform’s powerful form-building capabilities.

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Creating Your First Form

Creating a Form with Jotform is easy to do. Here’s how:

  1. On your My Workspace page, click on Create on the top-left side of the screen.

https://support.jotform.com/uploads/forum/Carlo_O/1740567958_67bef596708d5_create-button-workspace-jotform.png

  1. In the window that opens up, select and click Forms.

https://support.jotform.com/uploads/forum/Carlo_O/1740569412_67befb4480345_select-form-workspace-jotform.png

  1. Now, you can choose Start from Scratch or Use Template to select from over 10,000 premade forms.

https://support.jotform.com/uploads/forum/Carlo_O/1740570342_67befee6e3948_start-from-scratch-or-use-template-jotform.png

  1. Assuming you choose Start from Scratch, select from the following layout:
    • Classic Form — Displays all questions on a single page.
    • Card Form — Shows one question per page for a guided experience.

  1. Finally, you’ll be redirected to the Form Builder to start buildiing your form.

Decide What to Ask

Before you start building your form, outline the information you need from respondents. Keep it concise and relevant to ensure a smooth user experience. Avoid unnecessary questions that could make the form too long or complicated. Make them short and simple.

State the Purpose in the Heading

A clear and descriptive heading helps users understand the purpose of your form. Use a simple title like “Contact Us,” “Event Registration,” or “Feedback Form.” Adding a short description below the heading can provide additional context if needed.

Use Predefined Form Fields

Jotform offers predefined form fields to help you structure your form efficiently. These include:

  • Name — For collecting the user’s full name.
  • Email — To gather email addresses for responses or follow-ups.
  • Phone Number — If contact via phone is necessary.
  • Multiple Choice & Dropdown Fields — Ideal for structured responses.
  • Date Picker — Useful for scheduling appointments or selecting event dates.

Using predefined fields ensures accuracy and consistency in the data you collect. You can check out this guide about Quick Overview of Form Elements for more information.

Set Up Email Alerts

With email alerts, you’ll receive an email every time someone completes your form. To create an email alert, go to Settings at the top, then select Emails on the left. If you’re creating an email that will come to you, select Notification. You can use Autoresponder when you need to send a confirmation email to a user who submitted your form.

See Setting Up Email Notifications to learn more.

Embed Your Form Into a Website

Embedding your form into a website is crucial to continuously collect data. To get your embed codes, go to Publish at the top, then select Embed on the left. Choose the embed option that suits you best.

Steps to get the embed codes in Jotform Form Builder

There are also specific ways of embedding your form into other website builders and CMS platforms. If you’re using one, go to Publish, then select Platforms in the left navigation.

Steps to access platform embed codes

Copy and paste the codes into your website’s source code, usually within the body tag, and your form will be integrated once you save the changes in your editor.

See Which Form Embed Code Should You Use for more information.

Test Your Form to See if It’s Working

Test your form on your live website to see that notifications are going to your email and your Jotform Inbox. If nothing comes through, go back and check that you set up your form and notification email correctly.

Congratulations on setting up your first form. Feel free to return to this guide anytime you get lost. Tell us about your experience in creating your first form in the comments section below.

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