Creating forms in SharePoint is a great way to collect and manage data within your organization. SharePoint forms can be used for a variety of purposes, such as gathering feedback, tracking inventory, or even managing workflows. In this article, we will explore seven ways to create a SharePoint form.
Understanding SharePoint Forms
Before we dive into the different methods of creating SharePoint forms, it's essential to understand what SharePoint forms are and how they work. SharePoint forms are web-based forms that allow users to enter data, which is then stored in a SharePoint list or library. These forms can be customized to meet specific business needs and can be integrated with other SharePoint features, such as workflows and content types.
Method 1: Using SharePoint Designer
SharePoint Designer is a free tool provided by Microsoft that allows users to create and customize SharePoint forms. With SharePoint Designer, you can create custom forms using a drag-and-drop interface, add validation rules, and even integrate with other SharePoint features.
To create a form using SharePoint Designer, follow these steps:
- Open SharePoint Designer and connect to your SharePoint site
- Create a new list or library
- Click on the "Forms" tab and select "New Form"
- Drag and drop fields onto the form designer
- Add validation rules and customize the form as needed
- Publish the form to your SharePoint site
Pros and Cons of Using SharePoint Designer
- Pros:
- Free tool provided by Microsoft
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Allows for customization and validation rules
- Cons:
- Limited functionality compared to other methods
- Requires knowledge of SharePoint Designer
Method 2: Using Microsoft Power Apps
Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code development platform that allows users to create custom forms and applications. With Power Apps, you can create forms that integrate with SharePoint lists and libraries, as well as other data sources.
To create a form using Power Apps, follow these steps:
- Create a new Power App
- Connect to your SharePoint site and select the list or library you want to use
- Drag and drop fields onto the form designer
- Add validation rules and customize the form as needed
- Publish the form to your SharePoint site
Pros and Cons of Using Microsoft Power Apps
- Pros:
- Low-code development platform
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Allows for customization and validation rules
- Cons:
- Requires a subscription to Power Apps
- Limited functionality compared to other methods
Method 3: Using SharePoint List Forms
SharePoint List Forms are a built-in feature of SharePoint that allows users to create custom forms for lists and libraries. With List Forms, you can add custom fields, validation rules, and even integrate with other SharePoint features.
To create a form using SharePoint List Forms, follow these steps:
- Create a new list or library
- Click on the "Forms" tab and select "New Form"
- Add custom fields and validation rules as needed
- Publish the form to your SharePoint site
Pros and Cons of Using SharePoint List Forms
- Pros:
- Built-in feature of SharePoint
- Easy to use and intuitive interface
- Allows for customization and validation rules
- Cons:
- Limited functionality compared to other methods
- Requires knowledge of SharePoint List Forms
Method 4: Using InfoPath
InfoPath is a Microsoft tool that allows users to create custom forms for SharePoint. With InfoPath, you can create forms that integrate with SharePoint lists and libraries, as well as other data sources.
To create a form using InfoPath, follow these steps:
- Create a new InfoPath form
- Connect to your SharePoint site and select the list or library you want to use
- Drag and drop fields onto the form designer
- Add validation rules and customize the form as needed
- Publish the form to your SharePoint site
Pros and Cons of Using InfoPath
- Pros:
- Allows for customization and validation rules
- Integrates with SharePoint lists and libraries
- Cons:
- Requires knowledge of InfoPath
- Limited functionality compared to other methods
Method 5: Using Nintex Forms
Nintex Forms is a third-party tool that allows users to create custom forms for SharePoint. With Nintex Forms, you can create forms that integrate with SharePoint lists and libraries, as well as other data sources.
To create a form using Nintex Forms, follow these steps:
- Create a new Nintex form
- Connect to your SharePoint site and select the list or library you want to use
- Drag and drop fields onto the form designer
- Add validation rules and customize the form as needed
- Publish the form to your SharePoint site
Pros and Cons of Using Nintex Forms
- Pros:
- Allows for customization and validation rules
- Integrates with SharePoint lists and libraries
- Cons:
- Requires a subscription to Nintex Forms
- Limited functionality compared to other methods
Method 6: Using K2 SmartForms
K2 SmartForms is a third-party tool that allows users to create custom forms for SharePoint. With K2 SmartForms, you can create forms that integrate with SharePoint lists and libraries, as well as other data sources.
To create a form using K2 SmartForms, follow these steps:
- Create a new K2 form
- Connect to your SharePoint site and select the list or library you want to use
- Drag and drop fields onto the form designer
- Add validation rules and customize the form as needed
- Publish the form to your SharePoint site
Pros and Cons of Using K2 SmartForms
- Pros:
- Allows for customization and validation rules
- Integrates with SharePoint lists and libraries
- Cons:
- Requires a subscription to K2 SmartForms
- Limited functionality compared to other methods
Method 7: Using Custom Code
Custom code is a method of creating SharePoint forms using programming languages such as C# or JavaScript. With custom code, you can create forms that integrate with SharePoint lists and libraries, as well as other data sources.
To create a form using custom code, follow these steps:
- Create a new SharePoint project in Visual Studio
- Write custom code to create the form
- Deploy the form to your SharePoint site
Pros and Cons of Using Custom Code
- Pros:
- Allows for complete customization and control
- Can integrate with other SharePoint features
- Cons:
- Requires knowledge of programming languages
- Can be time-consuming and complex
In conclusion, there are many ways to create SharePoint forms, each with its own pros and cons. Whether you use SharePoint Designer, Microsoft Power Apps, or custom code, the key is to choose the method that best fits your needs and skill level.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide to creating SharePoint forms. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.
What is the best way to create a SharePoint form?
+The best way to create a SharePoint form depends on your specific needs and skill level. If you're looking for a simple solution, SharePoint List Forms or Microsoft Power Apps may be the best option. If you need more advanced functionality, custom code or third-party tools like Nintex Forms or K2 SmartForms may be a better fit.
Can I use SharePoint Designer to create a form?
+Yes, you can use SharePoint Designer to create a form. SharePoint Designer is a free tool provided by Microsoft that allows users to create and customize SharePoint forms.
What is the difference between SharePoint List Forms and custom code?
+SharePoint List Forms are a built-in feature of SharePoint that allows users to create custom forms for lists and libraries. Custom code, on the other hand, requires programming knowledge and allows for complete customization and control.