SharePoint forms are a powerful tool for collecting and managing data within an organization. However, the default forms provided by SharePoint can be limited in their functionality and design. Fortunately, there are several ways to edit SharePoint forms to better suit your needs. In this article, we will explore five ways to edit SharePoint forms, including using SharePoint Designer, Power Apps, InfoPath, SharePoint's built-in form editing tools, and third-party form builders.
Understanding SharePoint Forms
Before we dive into the ways to edit SharePoint forms, it's essential to understand what SharePoint forms are and how they work. SharePoint forms are used to collect data from users and store it in a SharePoint list or library. The forms can be customized to include various fields, such as text boxes, dropdown menus, and checkboxes, to collect specific information.
Benefits of Editing SharePoint Forms
Editing SharePoint forms can provide several benefits, including:
- Improved user experience: Customized forms can be designed to be more user-friendly, making it easier for users to submit data.
- Increased efficiency: Automated workflows and validation rules can be added to forms to streamline data collection and processing.
- Enhanced data accuracy: Custom forms can include validation rules and conditional logic to ensure that accurate data is collected.
- Better data analysis: Custom forms can include fields that enable better data analysis and reporting.
Method 1: Using SharePoint Designer
SharePoint Designer is a free tool provided by Microsoft that allows users to customize and extend SharePoint sites, including editing forms. With SharePoint Designer, users can create custom forms using a graphical interface, add custom fields and validation rules, and create workflows to automate business processes.
To edit a SharePoint form using SharePoint Designer, follow these steps:
- Open SharePoint Designer and connect to your SharePoint site.
- Navigate to the list or library that contains the form you want to edit.
- Click on the "Lists and Libraries" tab and select the list or library.
- Click on the "Forms" tab and select the form you want to edit.
- Use the graphical interface to customize the form, add fields, and create validation rules.
- Save and publish the form.
Method 2: Using Power Apps
Power Apps is a low-code development platform that allows users to create custom business apps, including forms. With Power Apps, users can create custom forms that integrate with SharePoint lists and libraries, and add custom fields, validation rules, and workflows.
To edit a SharePoint form using Power Apps, follow these steps:
- Open Power Apps and create a new app.
- Connect to your SharePoint site and select the list or library that contains the form you want to edit.
- Use the graphical interface to customize the form, add fields, and create validation rules.
- Add workflows and automation rules to the form.
- Save and publish the form.
Method 3: Using InfoPath
InfoPath is a forms-creation tool that allows users to create custom forms for SharePoint. With InfoPath, users can create custom forms that integrate with SharePoint lists and libraries, and add custom fields, validation rules, and workflows.
To edit a SharePoint form using InfoPath, follow these steps:
- Open InfoPath and create a new form.
- Connect to your SharePoint site and select the list or library that contains the form you want to edit.
- Use the graphical interface to customize the form, add fields, and create validation rules.
- Add workflows and automation rules to the form.
- Save and publish the form.
Method 4: Using SharePoint's Built-in Form Editing Tools
SharePoint provides built-in form editing tools that allow users to customize and edit forms. With these tools, users can add custom fields, validation rules, and workflows to forms.
To edit a SharePoint form using SharePoint's built-in form editing tools, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the list or library that contains the form you want to edit.
- Click on the "Forms" tab and select the form you want to edit.
- Use the built-in form editing tools to customize the form, add fields, and create validation rules.
- Add workflows and automation rules to the form.
- Save and publish the form.
Method 5: Using Third-Party Form Builders
There are several third-party form builders available that integrate with SharePoint, including Formstack, JotForm, and Wufoo. These tools provide a range of features and functionality, including custom fields, validation rules, and workflows.
To edit a SharePoint form using a third-party form builder, follow these steps:
- Choose a third-party form builder that integrates with SharePoint.
- Connect to your SharePoint site and select the list or library that contains the form you want to edit.
- Use the form builder to customize the form, add fields, and create validation rules.
- Add workflows and automation rules to the form.
- Save and publish the form.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the different ways to edit SharePoint forms. Whether you choose to use SharePoint Designer, Power Apps, InfoPath, SharePoint's built-in form editing tools, or a third-party form builder, you can create custom forms that meet your organization's needs.
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know. We'd love to hear from you.
What is SharePoint Designer?
+SharePoint Designer is a free tool provided by Microsoft that allows users to customize and extend SharePoint sites, including editing forms.
What is Power Apps?
+Power Apps is a low-code development platform that allows users to create custom business apps, including forms.
What is InfoPath?
+InfoPath is a forms-creation tool that allows users to create custom forms for SharePoint.