> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://pigeonholeapp.co.uk/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Creating Forms > How to build custom forms with sections, fields, and previews. # Creating Custom Forms ## Accessing the Forms Section 1. Navigate to **Settings -> Forms** from the the top right dropdown under your nursery 2. This page displays all existing forms and their details List of existing custom forms ## Creating a New Form 1. Click the **"Add Form"** button in the top-right corner 2. You'll be taken to the form builder interface Add form button on the forms settings page *** ## Using the Form Builder The form builder is divided into two main sections: the **Form Builder** (left side) and **Live Preview** (right side). ### Form Information Section Form builder heading with name, description, and toggle settings **Basic Settings:** * **Form Name**: Enter a descriptive name for your form (required) * **Description**: Add an optional description explaining the form's purpose * **Auto Assign**: Toggle to automatically assign this form to new staff members or children * **Allow Public Access**: Make this form publicly accessible via a shareable URL (see [Public Forms](#public-forms) below) * **Staff Can Create**: Allow staff to create this form directly from the register — both on the [web register](/staff/using-the-register#creating-forms-from-the-register) and the [mobile app](/staff/using-the-app/creating-forms) * **Staff Can Read**: Allow staff to read these form submissions for children ### Building Form Sections Forms are organized into **sections**, which contain **fields**. Each form starts with one section by default. #### Adding Sections 1. Click **"Add Section"** to create a new section 2. Enter an optional **Section Title** (e.g., "Child Information", "Medical Details") 3. Add an optional **Section Description** for additional context Form section with title and description fields If editing an existing form's fields, changes will only apply to non-completed form assignments. Completed assigned forms will not be updated. #### Section Management * **Reorder**: Use the up/down arrows to move sections up or down * **Delete Sections**: Click the trash icon (you can't delete if only one section exists) ### Adding Form Fields Within each section, you can add various types of fields: #### Field Types Available | Field Type | Description | Use Case | | --------------------- | ----------------------------- | -------------------------------------- | | **Text (Short)** | Single line text input | Names, addresses, phone numbers | | **Text (Multi-line)** | Multi-line textarea | Comments, detailed descriptions | | **Date** | Date picker | Birth dates, appointment dates | | **Time** | Time selector | Appointment times, pickup times | | **Yes/No** | Toggle switch | Permission questions, yes/no responses | | **Dropdown** | Single selection from options | Gender, preferred contact method | | **Multi-Select** | Multiple checkbox selections | Allergies, interests, activities | | **Signature** | Digital signature capture | Consent, agreements | | **Body Diagram** | Body area capture | Accident forms | #### Adding Fields 1. Click **"Add Field"** within a section 2. Configure the field properties: * **Field Name**: The label users will see (required) * **Field Type**: Select from the dropdown menu * **Required**: Toggle to make the field mandatory * **Placeholder Text**: Hint text for text fields. This appears in the text box before a user starts typing. * **Parent Editable**: Determines if a parent can edit the field, or needs a staff member to edit it (e.g. a staff signature) * **Help Text**: Additional guidance for users that appears underneath the form #### Field Management * **Reorder**: Use the up/down arrows to move fields up or down * **Delete Fields**: Click the trash icon to remove unwanted fields * **Field Options**: For dropdown and multi-select fields, add/remove/reorder options #### Dropdown and Multi-Select Options For dropdown and multi-select fields: 1. Click **"Add Option"** to create new choices 2. Enter the option text 3. Delete unwanted options with the trash icon 4. Minimum 2 options are required Dropdown field configuration with editable options list *** ## Form Preview The **Live Preview** button on the right shows how your form will appear to parents/guardians. Live preview panel showing the form as parents will see it **Note**: The preview is for visual reference only - you cannot submit data through it. Full-screen preview of a completed form layout ### Saving Your Form 1. Click **"Save Form"** when you're satisfied with your design 2. You'll receive a success confirmation 3. The form will be available for assignment to children or staff For a detailed example of building a form with body maps, signatures, and parent-editable fields, see [Example: Injury Form](/managers/custom-forms/example-injury-form). *** ## Public Forms Public forms allow anyone with the link to submit a form without needing an account or being registered in Pigeonhole. This is useful for enquiry forms, feedback forms, or any scenario where you want to collect information from the general public. ### Enabling Public Access 1. In the form builder, toggle **"Allow Public Access"** on 2. Save the form 3. A globe icon will appear next to the form name in the forms list, indicating it is publicly accessible ### Sharing a Public Form 1. Go to **Settings -> Forms** 2. Find the form with the globe icon 3. Click the **More Actions** (...) menu -> **"Copy URL"** 4. Share the copied URL via email, your website, social media, or any other channel The URL format is friendly and readable, for example: `https://pigeonholeapp.co.uk/forms/little-stars-nursery/{siteId}/{formId}` ### How Public Forms Work * Anyone with the URL can access and submit the form — no login required * Submitters must provide their **name** and **email address** * **reCAPTCHA** is used to protect against spam and bot submissions * Each submission creates a new form entry visible on the [Form Submissions](/managers/custom-forms/managing-submissions) page * The same person can submit the form multiple times * Public form submissions appear in the submissions list with the submitter's name and email displayed Public forms do not need to be individually assigned — the URL is the same for everyone. If you need to send a form to a specific person, use the [form assignment](/managers/custom-forms/assigning-forms) feature instead.