Building forms can slow down a small business. You may need to collect email addresses for your newsletter. You may need to gather info on your customers for their orders. Either way, creating forms from scratch can take a lot of time. Luckily, form builders help you create forms quickly without starting from scratch. Within the category of form software, free-form builders are particularly useful for small businesses.
Not only do they allow you to create forms and collect data, but they also help you manage that data. In this guide, we'll look at the best form software of 2024 to help you find the right one for your business. Notion Forms by NoteForm is a top contender that can help you quickly build and customize your forms.
What Is Form Building Software?
Form-building software allows users to create online forms rapidly and easily without programming knowledge. This software is essential for businesses, educational institutions, event organizers, and marketers looking to collect applications, data, or user feedback.
Key Features of Form Builders
User-Friendly Interface
Most form builders feature intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, enabling users to create forms by selecting and arranging various fields and components. This ease of use makes it accessible for individuals without technical skills.
Customizable Form Fields
Users can add a variety of field types, including:
Text Fields: For open-ended responses.
Multiple Choice: To allow users to select one or more options.
Dropdown Menus: For selections from a predefined list.
File Uploads: To let users attach documents or images.
Rating Scales: For feedback on a scale (e.g., 1 to 5 stars).
Templates and Themes
Many form builders offer pre-designed templates that can be customized to fit the user’s branding. This can save time and inspire the creation of professional-looking forms.
Integration Capabilities
Form builders often integrate with tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, email marketing platforms, and spreadsheet applications to facilitate smooth data transfer and organization.
Data Collection and Management
Users can view submissions in real-time, often within the same platform or through integrated applications like Google Sheets. This centralized data management makes it easier to analyze responses.
Mobile Optimization
With a growing number of users accessing forms via smartphones and tablets, form builders typically ensure that forms are responsive and mobile-friendly.
Conditional Logic
Advanced form builders offer conditional logic capabilities, which allow users to create dynamic forms that display or hide questions based on previous answers. This leads to a more personalized experience for respondents.
Form builders save you time and money. You can create professional-looking forms with pre-built templates and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface in minutes. This efficiency translates into cost savings, as businesses can allocate their resources to other critical tasks instead of dedicating hours to form design and distribution.
Reduce Data Entry Errors with Digital Forms
Using form builder software minimizes human error associated with manual data entry. Digital forms automatically validate responses, ensuring users fill in required fields or select appropriate options. This leads to more reliable data collection, crucial for making informed decisions.
Create User-Friendly Forms to Improve the Response Rate
User-friendly forms designed with clear instructions and intuitive layouts contribute to a positive experience for respondents. The convenience of completing forms online—often accessible on various devices—encourages higher response rates. Features like conditional logic also personalize the experience, guiding users through relevant questions based on previous answers.
Analyze Your Data in Real Time
Many form builder tools provide instant access to submitted data. This real-time feedback allows organizations to monitor responses as they come in, identify trends, and make timely adjustments to their strategies. For instance, if input from a product launch survey reveals dissatisfaction with a specific feature, the team can address it immediately.
Integrate Forms with Other Apps and Automate Tasks
Form builders often integrate with various third-party applications, including CRM systems, email marketing tools, and project management software. This connectivity enables automated workflows, such as automatically adding new contacts from a form submission to an email list or CRM. This saves time and ensures that data is organized consistently across platforms.
Scale Your Forms with Your Business
Form builder software can accommodate varying levels of complexity and scale. Whether creating a simple feedback form or a comprehensive registration process with multiple steps, users can easily adjust their forms to meet specific needs as their organization grows.
Increase Engagement with Interactive Form Features
Interactive features, such as quizzes or surveys incorporating multimedia elements (images, videos, etc.), can capture users' attention and encourage engagement. Engaging forms often lead to higher completion rates and more valuable insights.
Customize Forms to Align with Your Brand
Form builders typically allow users to customize forms with branding elements, such as logos, colors, and fonts. This consistent branding enhances brand recognition and credibility, especially when forms are shared with clients, customers, or potential leads.
NoteForms: A Game-Changer for Notion Users
NoteForms's Notion forms builder supercharges Notion by enabling smooth form creation that integrates directly with Notion databases. Our key features include creating forms from existing Notion DBs, storing submissions in Notion DBs, unlimited forms and submissions, full customization (custom domains, design, logic, webhooks), embeddable forms, integrations (email, Zapier, Slack), support for Notion-specific columns (relation, people), writing to page body, and database views as a sub-product.
We cater to Notion power users, SaaS startups, and educators, solving challenges like inefficient data entry, fragmented workflows, and administrative overload. NoteForms streamlines data collection, centralizes management, and simplifies workflows, boosting productivity while cutting costs for Notion enthusiasts. Create a form for free today with our Notion forms builder!
Key Features to Look for in Free Form Builder Software
User-Friendly Interface: No One Wants to Be Frustrated Using Free Software
A straightforward, intuitive interface allows users of all skill levels to create forms quickly and efficiently. Look for drag-and-drop functionality, simplifying the design process and enabling users to easily add elements without needing coding knowledge.
Templates and Customization Options: Make it Yours
The best form builders offer a variety of pre-designed templates that cater to different needs, such as surveys, registration forms, or feedback requests. Additionally, customization options allow you to adjust colors, fonts, and layouts to align with your brand identity.
Mobile Responsiveness: Go where the Users Are
With a growing number of users accessing forms via mobile devices, it’s crucial to choose a form builder that ensures mobile responsiveness. Your forms should automatically adapt to different screen sizes, providing a smooth user experience regardless of the device.
Logic and Conditional Fields: Skip the Boring Parts
Conditional logic allows you to create dynamic forms that show or hide fields based on user responses. This feature streamlines the user experience by ensuring respondents only see questions relevant to them, which can lead to higher completion rates.
Data Validation and Security: Keep Your Information Safe
Look for form builders with data validation features, such as required fields, format checks (like email and phone number validation), and CAPTCHA options to prevent spam submissions. Data security is vital; ensure the platform complies with privacy regulations (like GDPR) and offers secure data storage.
Analytics and Reporting: Evaluate Your Performance
Built-in analytics tools help you track submissions and analyze response data effectively. Look for options to generate reports, visualize data through charts, and export results for further analysis.
Integration Capabilities: Make Your Forms Work for You
Integrating with other tools, such as CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and project management software, enhances the functionality of your forms. This integration enables automatic data transfer and streamlined workflows.
Customer Support and Resources: Don’t Go It Alone
Even free tools can have limitations, so choosing a form builder that offers reliable customer support through live chat, email, or comprehensive knowledge bases is essential. Tutorials and guides can also be beneficial, particularly for users new to form building.
Top 15 Best Free Form Builder Software
1. NoteForms: Supercharge Notion with NoteForms’s Free Form Builder
NoteForms's Notion forms builder supercharges Notion by enabling smooth form creation that integrates directly with Notion databases. Our key features include creating forms from existing Notion DBs, storing submissions in Notion DBs, unlimited forms and submissions, full customization (custom domains, design, logic, webhooks), embeddable forms, integrations (email, Zapier, Slack), support for Notion-specific columns (relation, people), writing to page body, and database views as a sub-product.
We cater to Notion power users, SaaS startups, and educators, solving challenges like inefficient data entry, fragmented workflows, and administrative overload. NoteForms streamlines data collection, centralizes management, and simplifies workflows, boosting productivity while cutting costs for Notion enthusiasts. Create a form for free today with our Notion forms builder!
2. JotForm: An All-Around Free Form Builder Tool
JotForm is a versatile form builder that offers a free tier with a generous limit on form submissions. Users can choose from hundreds of templates and utilize its drag-and-drop functionality. JotForm also includes features like conditional logic, which allows users to create interactive and personalized forms.
Key Features of JotForm
Mobile-responsive forms
Conditional logic for dynamic form fields
Integration with payment processors for e-commerce
Extensive third-party integrations
3. Typeform: An Engaging Free Form Builder
Known for its user-friendly design and engaging interface, Typeform is perfect for creating interactive surveys and forms. It focuses on conversational form layouts that enhance user experience. Typeform offers a free plan with basic features, making it suitable for individuals and small businesses.
Key Features of Typeform
Conversational form interface
Logic jumps for personalized experiences
Multimedia support (images, videos)
Integration with various apps like Zapier and Mailchimp
4. Formstack: A Free Form Builder for Advanced Users
Formstack provides a powerful form-building platform with advanced features. While it offers a free trial, the limited free version suits small projects. Formstack excels in workflow automation and data collection, making it ideal for businesses looking to streamline their processes.
Key Features of Formstack
Advanced reporting and analytics
Workflow automation features
Secure data collection with compliance options
Integration with popular tools like Salesforce and HubSpot
5. Zoho Forms: A Free Form Builder with Extensive Integrations
Part of the Zoho suite, Zoho Forms allows users to create robust forms with various customization options. The free plan includes essential features suitable for small teams. Zoho Forms integrates well with other Zoho applications, enhancing productivity for users already within the ecosystem.
Key Features of Zoho Forms
Drag-and-drop form builder
Integration with Zoho CRM and other Zoho apps
Offline form submission capability
Workflow automation features
6. Microsoft Forms: A Free Form Builder for Microsoft Users
Microsoft Forms is an intuitive form builder that integrates with the Microsoft 365 suite. Users can easily create surveys and quizzes and analyze responses with built-in analytics. It’s particularly beneficial for organizations already using Microsoft tools.
Key Features of Microsoft Forms
Integration with Microsoft 365 applications
Real-time collaboration and sharing options
Automated data analysis and visualization
Simple, user-friendly interface
7. Wufoo: A User-Friendly Free Form Builder
Wufoo, part of SurveyMonkey, is known for its user-friendly design and robust reporting features. The free plan allows users to create and manage forms with basic functionalities. Wufoo’s extensive integrations make it suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Key Features of Wufoo
Easy-to-use form builder with templates
Advanced reporting and analytics
Integration with over 40 applications
Secure data handling and compliance options
8. 123FormBuilder: A Straightforward Free Form Builder
123FormBuilder provides a straightforward way to create forms and surveys with an easy drag-and-drop interface. The free version allows basic form creation, while the premium versions offer more advanced features. It’s ideal for users looking for simplicity and effectiveness.
Key Features of 123FormBuilder
Drag-and-drop form builder
Template library for quick setup
Integration with various third-party applications
Mobile-friendly design
9. Formsite: A Secure Free Form Builder
Formsite offers a user-friendly interface with various templates for creating forms and surveys. The free version has limitations but is adequate for basic needs. Formsite is known for its security features, which suit businesses that handle sensitive data.
Key Features of Formsite
Customizable templates and themes
Advanced reporting tools
SSL encryption for data security
Integration with popular applications like PayPal
10. SurveyMonkey: A Free Form Builder for Surveys
Although primarily known for surveys, SurveyMonkey also offers form-building capabilities. The free plan allows for basic survey creation and is ideal for gathering feedback and insights. SurveyMonkey’s robust analytics tools help users make data-driven decisions.
Key Features of SurveyMonkey
Comprehensive survey and form creation tools
Advanced analytics and reporting
Integration with various applications
User-friendly design and templates
11. Cognito Forms: A Free Form Builder with Advanced Features
Cognito Forms offers powerful features for creating complex forms, including calculations and conditional logic. The free plan allows for a limited number of entries but includes many advanced features that make it suitable for small businesses.
Key Features of Cognito Forms
Calculation fields and conditional logic
File upload capabilities
Integration with payment processors
Strong data management and export options
12. Tally: A Simple and Elegant Free-Form Builder
Tally is a newcomer that stands out due to its simplicity and elegant design. Users can create forms without registration and get instant links to share. The free version provides unlimited forms and responses, making it a popular choice for many.
Key Features of Tally
No registration is required to create forms
Unlimited forms and responses in the free version
Clean, user-friendly interface
Customization options available
13. Getform: A Free Form Builder for Developers
Getform focuses on providing a simple way to create forms and collect data. The free version allows users to create forms and access basic analytics. Getform is particularly beneficial for developers looking to integrate forms into their projects.
Key Features of Getform
Easy-to-embed forms for websites
API access for developers
Basic analytics and reporting
Secure data handling
14. Form Builder by HubSpot: A Free Form Builder with CRM Integrations
HubSpot offers a free form builder as part of its marketing tools. Users can create lead generation forms that integrate with HubSpot’s CRM. This tool is ideal for businesses looking to enhance their marketing efforts.
Key Features of HubSpot Form Builder
Integration with HubSpot CRM for lead management
Drag-and-drop functionality
Built-in analytics and tracking
Customizable form fields
15. Paperform: A Free Form Builder Focused on Design
Paperform allows users to create beautiful forms with a focus on design. The free version includes essential features, while premium plans offer more advanced capabilities. Paperform is suitable for businesses looking to make aesthetically pleasing forms.
Key Features of Paperform
Customizable design options
Multimedia support (images, videos)
Integration with various applications
Payment processing capabilities
How to Choose the Right Form Builder
Ease of Use: Your Form Builder's User Interface Matters
When it comes to form builders, ease of use is paramount. Most modern form builders come with drag-and-drop editors that require no coding skills. If you're new to form creation, choose a tool that has a simple, user-friendly interface. Google Forms and Typeform, for example, are highly rated for their intuitive designs.
Questions to Ask
Can I easily create and customize forms?
Does the platform provide templates to save time?
How user-friendly is the drag-and-drop interface?
Customization Options: Make Forms That Fit Your Brand
Customization is critical, especially if you need your forms to align with your brand’s visual identity or serve specific purposes. Some tools offer more advanced design capabilities, such as Paperform, while others keep it simple, like Microsoft Forms.
Questions to Ask
Can I customize fonts, colors, and layouts?
Are there pre-built themes, or do I have complete creative control?
How easy is it to add or remove fields based on form logic?
Data Collection and Analytics: Make Form Responses Work for You
The ability to track, analyze, and export data is a key feature, particularly for businesses that rely on forms for lead generation or feedback collection. Look for form builders with strong analytics and reporting features like JotForm and Formstack.
Questions to Ask
How is the data collected and stored?
Does the tool provide analytics, reports, or visualization features?
Is the data exportable in formats that integrate with my existing tools?
Integrations with Other Tools: Ensure smooth Workflows
Integrating other software, such as CRM, email marketing platforms, or project management tools, is essential for streamlining workflows. HubSpot Form Builder, for example, connects directly with HubSpot’s CRM, while Zoho Forms links to the broader Zoho ecosystem.
Questions to Ask
What platforms does the tool integrate with?
Does it integrate with my CRM, marketing automation, or payment systems?
Are there third-party app integrations like Zapier for extended functionality?
Mobile Responsiveness: Design for All Devices
With more people accessing the internet through mobile devices, having mobile-responsive forms is crucial. Ensure that the form builder you choose allows for responsive designs so that forms look and function well on any device. Typeform and 123FormBuilder are great options for mobile-friendly forms.
Questions to Ask
Are forms automatically optimized for mobile devices?
How do the forms look and function on tablets and smartphones?
Security and Compliance: Protect Your Sensitive Data
For businesses handling sensitive data, security is a top priority. Choose a form builder that offers SSL encryption, GDPR compliance, and other security measures to protect your information. Formstack and Wufoo are known for their strong focus on secure data collection.
Questions to Ask
Does the tool provide SSL encryption for form submissions?
Is it compliant with data protection laws such as GDPR?
How secure is the storage of form data?
Scalability: Prepare for Growth
Scalability is essential whether you're a small business or a growing startup. Your form builder should grow with you, offering flexibility in the number of forms, submissions, and features you can access. JotForm and Cognito Forms, for instance, offer affordable paid plans that accommodate growth.
Questions to Ask
Can the platform handle large amounts of data as my business grows?
Are there affordable upgrade options with enhanced features?
Cost and Features: Find a Form Builder That Fits Your Budget
Finally, price is essential, especially for small businesses or startups. While most tools offer free tiers, the limitations vary widely. Understand what’s included in the free version, such as the number of forms, submissions, and storage, and evaluate the paid tiers if needed.
Questions to Ask
Does the free plan meet my current needs, or will I need to upgrade soon?
What advanced features are available in the paid plans, and are they worth the cost?
Tips for Maximizing Your Form Builder’s Capabilities
Personalize User Experiences with Conditional Logic
Conditional logic is a powerful feature that allows you to show or hide form fields based on a user’s previous responses. This personalization can increase completion rates by making forms more relevant and reducing the perceived effort. For example, if someone indicates interest in a specific product, you can present questions tailored to that product.
Example
JotForm, Cognito Forms, and Typeform allow you to implement conditional logic quickly.
Pre-built Templates Help You Hit the Ground Running
Most form builders come with pre-built templates for various use cases such as surveys, registrations, and feedback forms. These templates can significantly reduce the time it takes to build your form from scratch and ensure best practices are followed.
Tip
Explore the template libraries in tools like Google Forms, Zoho Forms, or HubSpot Forms to get inspiration and customize them according to your needs.
Mobile Optimization Is Crucial
Mobile optimization is crucial since many users will likely interact with your forms on smartphones or tablets. Choose designs and layouts that are responsive and easy to navigate on smaller screens.
Example
123FormBuilder and Typeform provide excellent mobile-optimized templates to ensure your forms are accessible on all devices.
Incorporate Automated Workflows to Improve Efficiency
Advanced form builders like Formstack or Zoho Forms offer automation features that let you create workflows based on form submissions. When someone submits a form, you can automate responses, trigger notifications, or even update CRM entries, improving efficiency and reducing manual tasks.
Tip
Once a form is completed, integrate automated email responders for thank-you messages or follow-up sequences.
A/B Testing Helps You Optimize Form Performance
If you need to figure out how some aspects of your form will perform, use A/B testing to try different versions. Testing different headlines, call-to-action buttons, or field arrangements can provide valuable data on what drives higher completion rates.
Example
Wufoo and Paperform offer A/B testing features that allow you to compare performance and optimize based on real user interaction.
Add Progress Indicators for Long Forms
If your form requires several steps or many fields, incorporating a progress bar helps users gauge how much time or effort is left. This can prevent abandonment and improve completion rates, as users are more likely to finish when they see clear milestones.
Example
Use tools like Formstack or Google Forms to easily add progress indicators for longer forms.
Ensure Forms Are Accessible
Accessibility is a critical factor in creating an inclusive form experience. Ensure your forms comply with accessibility standards (such as WCAG) and are navigable for individuals using screen readers or keyboard-only input.
Examples
Cognito Forms and JotForm provide accessibility options to ensure everyone can use your forms.
Regularly Analyze Data and Optimize Your Forms
Once your forms are live, continuously monitor performance metrics such as submission rates, drop-off points, and user feedback. Analyzing this data can provide insights into which sections are confusing or unnecessary, allowing you to make improvements for better performance.
Tip
Use form analytics features in tools like Typeform and HubSpot Forms to track user behavior and optimize your forms over time. By following these tips and consistently optimizing your forms, you can maximize the effectiveness of your form builder software, ensuring that it not only collects data efficiently but also provides a smooth, engaging user experience.
Unlock the Potential of Notion Forms with NoteForms
NoteForms's Notion forms builder supercharges Notion by enabling smooth form creation that integrates directly with Notion databases. Our key features include creating forms from existing Notion DBs, storing submissions in Notion DBs, unlimited forms and submissions, full customization (custom domains, design, logic, webhooks), embeddable forms, integrations (email, Zapier, Slack), support for Notion-specific columns (relation, people), writing to page body, and database views as a sub-product.
We cater to Notion power users, SaaS startups, and educators, solving challenges like inefficient data entry, fragmented workflows, and administrative overload. NoteForms streamlines data collection, centralizes management, and simplifies workflows, boosting productivity while cutting costs for Notion enthusiasts. Create a form for free today with our Notion forms builder!
Why NoteForms is the Best Form Builder for Notion Users
Notion Databases' Best Friend: NoteForms
NoteForms is the best form builder for Notion because it integrates directly with Notion databases. Instead of using third-party tools to link forms to your workspace, NoteForms allows you to create forms directly from existing Notion databases and store all form submissions within those databases. This eliminates the need for external apps and will enable users to maintain everything within the Notion ecosystem, streamlining workflows and boosting productivity.
The More the Merrier: Unlimited Forms and Submissions
NoteForms provides unlimited forms and submissions, making it perfect for growing businesses or educational institutions that handle large volumes of data. This ensures scalability, so whether you’re managing dozens of forms or thousands of entries, NoteForms grows with you without adding extra costs.
Customize Your Forms to Fit Your Needs
NoteForms shines when it comes to customization. Whether you need to design forms with your branding or set up custom logic and webhooks, NoteForms offers the flexibility to craft your form exactly how you need it. You can even use custom domains, making the user experience smooth and professional.
Embed Your Forms Anywhere
NoteForms also allows users to embed forms on websites or within other platforms. Its wide range of integrations, including Zapier, Slack, and email, makes it easy to route form submissions to other essential tools your team relies on. This keeps everyone in the loop and enables quick responses to collected data.
Collect Complex Data with Notion-Specific Columns
One of NoteForms' most unique features is its support for Notion-specific columns, such as relation columns, people properties, and multi-select options. This deep integration with Notion’s core functionalities makes it much easier for users to work within their existing databases and structures, offering functionality other form builders don’t provide.
Write to Page Body and Database Views
NoteForms goes beyond just collecting data. It offers the ability to write to the page body, which allows users to structure detailed data collection directly within Notion’s page formats. Additionally, it enables users to use database views as a sub-product, making it easy to manage, visualize, and interact with the data collected in a form.
Boost Productivity by Solving Common Challenges
For Notion potential users, SaaS startups, and educators, NoteForms solves critical pain points like inefficient data entry, fragmented workflows, and administrative overload. By centralizing data collection and management within a single tool, users no longer have to waste time navigating between different platforms or manually inputting data. This boosts productivity, reduces errors, and allows users to focus on more strategic tasks.
Start Using NoteForms for Free Today
Another great advantage of NoteForms is that users can create a form for free. This makes it an excellent choice for startups or educational institutions operating on a tight budget. Even with the free version, you gain access to powerful features like Notion integration and unlimited submissions, allowing you to test the platform's full capabilities without any financial commitment.
Create a Form for Free Today with our Notion Forms Builder
NoteForms's Notion forms builder supercharges Notion by enabling smooth form creation that integrates directly with Notion databases. Our key features include creating forms from existing Notion DBs, storing submissions in Notion DBs, unlimited forms and submissions, full customization (custom domains, design, logic, webhooks), embeddable forms, integrations (email, Zapier, Slack), support for Notion-specific columns (relation, people), writing to page body, and database views as a sub-product.
We cater to Notion power users, SaaS startups, and educators, solving challenges like inefficient data entry, fragmented workflows, and administrative overload. NoteForms streamlines data collection, centralizes management, and simplifies workflows, boosting productivity while cutting costs for Notion enthusiasts. Create a form for free today with our Notion forms builder!