5 Easy Ways To Create A Sharepoint Form

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Microsoft SharePoint is a powerful platform for creating and managing content, and one of its most useful features is the ability to create custom forms. SharePoint forms enable users to collect data from others, automate workflows, and streamline business processes. In this article, we will explore five easy ways to create a SharePoint form.

What is a SharePoint Form?

A SharePoint form is a custom page that allows users to input data, which can then be stored in a SharePoint list or library. SharePoint forms can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as collecting feedback, submitting requests, or tracking inventory. With SharePoint forms, you can create custom fields, add validation rules, and even integrate with other SharePoint features like workflows and notifications.

Method 1: Using SharePoint's Built-in Form Feature

One of the easiest ways to create a SharePoint form is to use the platform's built-in form feature. To do this, follow these steps:

• Go to your SharePoint site and navigate to the list or library where you want to create the form.
• Click on the "Add an app" button and select "Custom List" or "Custom Library".
• Click on the "Create" button and select "Form".
• Choose the type of form you want to create (e.g., survey, request, etc.).
• Add fields to your form by clicking on the "Add field" button.
• Configure the form settings as desired (e.g., validation rules, notifications, etc.).

Pros and Cons of Using SharePoint's Built-in Form Feature

Pros:

• Easy to use and set up
• Integrated with SharePoint's workflows and notifications
• Can be used to collect data from others

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• May not be suitable for complex forms or workflows

Method 2: Using Microsoft Power Apps

Microsoft Power Apps is a powerful tool for creating custom apps and forms. With Power Apps, you can create forms that are connected to your SharePoint lists and libraries, and even integrate with other Microsoft services like Dynamics 365 and Azure.

To create a SharePoint form using Power Apps, follow these steps:

• Go to the Power Apps website and sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Click on the "Create an app" button and select " SharePoint".
• Choose the type of form you want to create (e.g., survey, request, etc.).
• Add fields to your form by clicking on the "Add field" button.
• Configure the form settings as desired (e.g., validation rules, notifications, etc.).

Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Power Apps

Pros:

• Highly customizable and flexible
• Can be integrated with other Microsoft services
• Suitable for complex forms and workflows

Cons:

• Requires a Power Apps license
• May require technical expertise to set up and configure

Method 3: Using SharePoint Designer

SharePoint Designer is a free tool that allows you to create custom SharePoint forms and workflows. With SharePoint Designer, you can create forms that are connected to your SharePoint lists and libraries, and even integrate with other SharePoint features like workflows and notifications.

To create a SharePoint form using SharePoint Designer, follow these steps:

• Download and install SharePoint Designer from the Microsoft website.
• Open SharePoint Designer and connect to your SharePoint site.
• Click on the "List and Libraries" tab and select the list or library where you want to create the form.
• Click on the "Form" button and select "Create a new form".
• Add fields to your form by clicking on the "Add field" button.
• Configure the form settings as desired (e.g., validation rules, notifications, etc.).

Pros and Cons of Using SharePoint Designer

Pros:

• Free and easy to use
• Highly customizable and flexible
• Can be integrated with other SharePoint features

Cons:

• May require technical expertise to set up and configure
• Limited support for complex forms and workflows

Method 4: Using Third-Party Form Builders

There are many third-party form builders available that can be used to create custom SharePoint forms. Some popular options include Formstack, JotForm, and Wufoo.

To create a SharePoint form using a third-party form builder, follow these steps:

• Go to the website of the form builder you want to use and sign up for an account.
• Click on the "Create a form" button and select the type of form you want to create (e.g., survey, request, etc.).
• Add fields to your form by clicking on the "Add field" button.
• Configure the form settings as desired (e.g., validation rules, notifications, etc.).
• Connect your form to your SharePoint site using the form builder's integration features.

Pros and Cons of Using Third-Party Form Builders

Pros:

• Highly customizable and flexible
• Can be integrated with other services and platforms
• Suitable for complex forms and workflows

Cons:

• May require a paid subscription
• May require technical expertise to set up and configure
• May not be specifically designed for SharePoint

Method 5: Using Custom Coding

For advanced users, creating a custom SharePoint form using coding can be a viable option. With custom coding, you can create forms that are highly customized and integrated with other SharePoint features.

To create a SharePoint form using custom coding, follow these steps:

• Determine the programming language and development tools you want to use (e.g., C#, JavaScript, etc.).
• Create a new project in your chosen development environment.
• Write code to create the form and connect it to your SharePoint site.
• Test and deploy the form to your SharePoint site.

Pros and Cons of Using Custom Coding

Pros:

• Highly customizable and flexible
• Can be integrated with other SharePoint features
• Suitable for complex forms and workflows

Cons:

• Requires advanced technical expertise
• Can be time-consuming and costly to develop
• May require ongoing maintenance and updates

In conclusion, there are many ways to create a SharePoint form, each with its own pros and cons. Whether you choose to use SharePoint's built-in form feature, Microsoft Power Apps, SharePoint Designer, third-party form builders, or custom coding, the key is to select the method that best fits your needs and expertise.

We invite you to share your experiences and tips for creating SharePoint forms in the comments below. What method do you prefer, and what challenges have you faced? Let's start a conversation!