Here’s a List of the Best Online Form Builders and Web Form Design Software

Starting conversations and collecting information almost always involves an online form builder.

Forms are everywhere and form builders work great for:

• Starting conversations from your website
• Collecting email addresses and phone numbers
• Generating leads
• Starting quotes and estimates
• Scheduling and appointments
• Assessments and quizzes
• Getting feedback
• Asking for reviews
• And more…

But there are hundreds of form builders to choose from today.

This makes it difficult for any business or organization to select the best online form builder for their needs.

So I’ve put together a list of the best form builders. I’ll walk you through their features, pros, cons, what users have to say, and what’s best suited for you.

Read on for more.

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What is a Web Form?

A web form (webform or HTML form) is a set of input fields like checkboxes, radio buttons, or text fields laid out on a web page. Web forms allow businesses and organizations to collect information and store that data on a server. Common web form examples include:

1. Newsletter or blog subscription forms
2. Website contact forms
3. Event registration forms
4. Estimate submission forms
5. Appointment scheduling forms
6. Checkout and payment forms
7. Feedback request forms
8. Review submission forms

Businesses and organizations use web forms in various ways based on their needs and strategic goals.

Typically, you’ll find forms to collect contact information, or to complete payments for goods or services. They are also used to submit applications for job opportunities and start surveys.

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Most Common Form Builder Software Features

Most form builder software comes with a typical suite of features. The following are some of the most common web form builder features:

• Drag and drop form editors: The easiest way to build a form is to use a drag and drop form builder. Many form builders use this type of form creation interface because it makes it easy to add and edit text, images, and styling.
• Embedabilty and sharability: Once you’ve built your responsive form, you’ll need to be able to embed and share it. You can do this on a web page, landing page, or even in an email or text message. Most form builders offer multiple ways in integrating their forms into a web page or other digital medium. Platforms like MessageDesk even allow you to text links to your forms.
• Integrations: The best web forms will integrate with your website and other apps too. You’ll frequently find that form builders integrate with messaging tools to deliver email and text messages. This makes it possible to continue the conversation once someone submits information.
• Custom fields: Forms need to be customizable, allowing you to collect data that’s unique to your organization. Custom fields enable you to capture the data you need. These can often be stylized as radio buttons, multiple-choice questions, dropdowns, and text boxes.
• Alerts and notifications: Once someone hits your form’s submit button, both parties should get a notification or see a confirmation. This often provides instructions and sets up the next steps in an estimate, scheduling, registration, or payment collection process.
• Autoresponders: After a form gets submitted, there’s typically a series of automated email or text message follow-ups. You can configure these messages variously depending on the form builder and integrations you’re using.
• Analytics: Most form builders provide tools that monitor how many people saw your form, entered information, and ultimately submitted their info. This allows you to make data-driven decisions about your forms and how they fit into your processes.

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Top Form Builders

Here’s my list of the best form builders in no particular order.

1. MessageDesk
2. Jotform
3. HubSpot Form Builder
4. DashClicks
5. Paperform
6. PlatoForms
7. Typeform
8. Cognito Forms
9. Formstack
10. Ninja Forms
11. Google Forms
12. Microsoft Forms

1. MessageDesk

Best for:

Businesses and organizations that want to use forms to start text message conversations with customers.

Overview:

MessageDesk is a business text messaging service that makes it easy to keep connected to contacts, customers, and clients.

The whole goal with MessageDesk’s custom web forms is to help you start more conversations. You can do this from your website by directly embedding a form. Or you can create direct links to your forms and text them to contacts.

Once someone submits information through a MessageDesk form, you can send them a series of automated text messages. Contacts automatically get sorted into groups, making it easy to follow up for SMS marketing or any other type of campaign.

Why text messaging? Because texts get up to a 98% open rate and some 89% of customers prefer texting over emailing or voice calls.

Features:

• Fully customizable form text, styling, colors, and images
• Independently hosted or embeddable on any website
• Custom short links for linking directly to web forms
• Alerts and notifications for when a form gets submitted
• Automatic contact creation
• Form submitters automatically filter into groups for follow up messaging
• Pre-saved SMS templates simplify auto-responses

Pros:

• Integrates easily with WordPress, Wix, and other website builders
• Excellent customer support
• Highly customizable
• Over 3,000 integrations powered by Zapier

Cons:

• No free version
• Currently, only Zapier integration with sales platforms like Salesforce and Hubspot CRM

2. Jotform

Best for:

Businesses and organizations of any size that need a free online form builder.

Overview:

Jotform is a powerful form builder. It utilizes conditional logic and other features to accept payments, generate reports, and automate workflows.

With Jotform you get advanced styling options, extensive functionality, and over 10,000 free templates. This makes it one of the best form builder software for businesses and organizations looking to create custom forms.

Secure payment and third-party integrations also make it a valuable asset. This is especially true for any business or organization that needs to collect payments and build automated workflows.

Features:

• HIPAA compliant
• Secure payment integrations for PayPal, Square, and more
• Many third-party integrations
• Drag and drop form builder
• Access controls and permissions for multiple users
• Customizable templates, forms, and fields
• Digital signature
• SSL security

Pros:

• 100% free online form builder with up to 5 free forms
• Giant template library
• Real-time reporting and analytics
• Convenient collaboration tools

Cons:

• You’ll soon find yourself graduating past the free version

3. HubSpot form builder

Best for:

HubSpot's form builder is best for HubSpot users seeking a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to create, customize, and manage forms for lead generation, data collection, and customer engagement.

Overview:

HubSpot's form builder is a powerful tool that enables businesses to create and customize forms without any coding knowledge, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.

With a user-friendly interface, it offers a wide range of form templates and customization options, allowing businesses to collect valuable data and generate leads effortlessly.

Additionally, HubSpot's form builder seamlessly integrates with the HubSpot CRM, providing a unified platform for managing and analyzing form submissions, automating workflows, and nurturing customer relationships.

Features:

• Pre-designed form templates for quick setup.
• Customizable form fields (text, dropdowns, checkboxes).
• Conditional logic for dynamic form behavior.
• Mobile-responsive forms for optimal display on different devices.
• Integration with HubSpot CRM for lead management.
• Advanced form analytics and reporting.
• Automated workflows for lead nurturing.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface and drag-and-drop functionality make form creation easy and accessible.
• Seamless integration with HubSpot CRM ensures efficient lead management and tracking.
• Advanced analytics and reporting features provide valuable insights into form performance.
• Embedding options make it convenient to place forms on websites, landing pages, and email campaigns.

Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to more advanced form builders.
• Some users may find the learning curve slightly steep, especially if they are not familiar with the HubSpot ecosystem.
• Advanced features and functionalities may require a higher-tier subscription or additional costs.
• Integration options outside of the HubSpot ecosystem may be limited.
• Support resources may not be as extensive as other dedicated form builder platforms.

4. DashClicks

Best for:

Businesses and agencies that need online form building and management software with hundreds of pre-built templates.

Overview:

DashClicks’ form builder software is one of the best form building software for digital transformation in the market today. You can create custom forms for any kind of data collection. The form building software is designed to improve your workflow and optimize your data collection efforts.

The Forms app offers you three primary form types — classic, card, and group forms. You can use the classic forms to collect all the data in one flow. You can also customize the way you collect data by using card forms and group forms.

The software also lets you create your own custom categories and tags to better keep track of each form.

Features:

• A single, organized view of all your forms and submissions for you to review and act on.
• A white label drag and drop form builder that’s highly convenient to use.
• Pre-built form templates to speed up your workflow and save time.
• Option to embed the form on your website, use it as a landing page for your next marketing campaign, or send it out to contacts.
• Option to send one-time form links to contacts and invite them to submit the information you want to collect.

Pros:

• Free trial available, no credit card required.
• Collect unlimited form submissions through multiple forms.
• Option to create an unlimited number of custom fields for your forms.
• Three form types are available: classic, group, and card forms.
• Option to choose from hundreds of pre-built form templates.
• Option to customize your form design.

Cons:

• The number of forms you can build depends on your current subscription plan. If you want to build 100 forms, you need to opt for the Premium Plan.
• The software can be somewhat difficult to use in the beginning, but all you need is practice. You can find helpful instructions on using the software in the Help Center.

5. Paperform

Best for:

Small businesses and teams that want a powerful all-in-one tool that can easily be customized to manage any type of project.

Overview:

Paperform is a flexible SaaS platform that helps small businesses simplify their work and get more done.

The tool is a digital Swiss Army Knife that enables anyone to take payments, manage bookings, collect information, or run an entire company. Paperform gives users the ability to build the solutions they need, in the way they need them.

With almost limitless customization and over 600 pre-built templates, over 3,000 integrations, and conditional logic, the Paperform editor has everything you need to build beautiful and functional solutions.

Features:

• Over 600 pre-built templates
• Native integrations and connections with over 3,000 apps through third-party platforms (such as Zapier)
• Completely customizable — create your own themes, choose your color palette and embed content wherever you like
• Powerful forms with conditional logic and can handle taking payments and multiple question types
• Drag and drop interface
• Supports e-signatures

Pros:

• A no-code solution that gives users the ability to manage any project - from taking payments, collecting information, and organizing bookings
• An editor that enables almost unlimited customization and advanced workflows
• Exceptional customer support

Cons:

• No free version

6. PlatoForms

Best for:

Best for businesses and organizations that need to create a document workflow using online fillable PDF forms.

Overview:

PlatoForms helps businesses and organizations make PDFs fillable as online forms. With PlatoForms you can convert any PDF to an online form. This makes it possible to gather data and get instant notifications.

All you have to do to get started is upload your PDF, design your form and share or embed it. Once the form gets submitted, PlatoForms will automatically generate a PDF version of the submission and send you an email.

PDF forms are one of the best ways to go paperless and PlatoForms is one of the best form builders. It works well for approval processes, lead generation, contracts and agreements, application forms, surveys, enrollments, and registrations.

Features:

• Convert PDFs directly into web forms
• Add online versions of PDF forms to your website
• Master forms allow for one submission into multiple PDFs
• PDF workflow builder for multi-step submissions
• Pre-filled invitation forms
• Drag and drop widgets
• Access controls and permissions
• Third-party integrations

Pros:

• A free version is available (limited to one form)
• Great workflow features
• Super slick form creation process
• Clone function makes it easy to make changes on the fly
• Easy to create and upload PDF files

Cons:

• Somewhat limited styling customization features

7. Typeform

Best for:

Businesses and organizations that want a more conversational, interactive, and engaging form submission experience.

Overview:

Of all the form builders available, Typeform is one of the most unique. You get all of the same form features you’d expect from a form builder. But everything is more interactive.

Instead of presenting a single form with many fields, Typeform allows you to create inline, interactive, question-and-answer experiences.

With Typeform you get beautiful designs, lots of interactivity, and the ability to embed a form anywhere. This includes within an email.

Its integrations are seamless. Templates, transition effects, and advanced styling options make Typeform an easy and fun way for customers to submit data.

Features:

• Question branching and logic jumps
• Dynamic questions, results pages, and hidden fields
• Beautiful template library with photos and videos
• Multiple ending screens for branching flows
• Payments integrations
• 500+ integrations with Zapier
• Mobile-friendly forms
• Advanced embed options (including email)

Pros:

• User-friendly and intuitive interface
• Easy to collaborate with teammates
• Zapier integration
• Auto-close Typeforms to new responses
• Email notifications

Cons:

• Some mail providers make it hard to embed Typeforms into emails

8. Cognito Forms

Best for:

Businesses and organizations that need a standard, easy-to-use form builder.

Overview:

Cognito Forms makes it easy to create everything from simple surveys to complex registration forms. In just minutes, you can create the online forms you need. No code is required.

It has an intuitive drag and drop interface and is compatible with a wide range of email and mailing services.

Filters and real-time reports make Cognito Forms one of the best form builder software for businesses that want complete control.

Features:

• Data collection and management with filters
• Conditional logic, in-line calculations, and automatic document creation
• Security and HIPAA compliance features
• Ability to access online payments using Square, Stripe, or PayPal
• Template management
• Zapier and other integrations

Pros:

• Effortless, beautiful, and responsive forms
• Granular permissions and security features
• Custom question logic to automate your workflow
• Great template library

Cons:

• Pricier than some other options
• Inability to copy a field or section between forms

9. Formstack

Best for:

Larger businesses and organizations that need a suite of forms, documents, and signing features that integrate with Salesforce and other CRMs.

Overview:

Formstack is a powerful form builder software suite that’s popular among top companies like Twitter and Netflix. It's for larger businesses and organizations looking to automate their workflows and capture more leads on a larger scale.

With its fully customizable, professional template library and advanced features like multi-page forms, smart logic, and file uploads, it's one of the best form builder software for lead generation and data analytics.

You can integrate it with other apps, including Hubspot, Google Docs, PayPal, and Salesforce.

Features:

• Advanced logic and automation
• Customized forms and templates
• Powerful analytics features
• Integrations with larger third-party apps
• Customizable themes and branding

Pros:

• Automated emails based on user responses
• Consistent branding across all forms and users
• Drag and drop customization tools for easy form building
• Website popup forms, segmented workflows, and smart logic

Cons:

• Some advanced forms require programming knowledge
• Lower tiers allow only one user per account
• Customer support is limited to email only

10. Ninja Forms

Best for:

Websites built on WordPress that need a WordPress plugin form builder.

Overview:

Ninja Forms is a drag and drop WordPress form builder with over 30,000,000 downloads. If your website is built on WordPress, Ninja Forms is one of the best ways to build simple, user-friendly forms without having to code.

With Ninja Forms, you get standard form features. This includes conditional logic, exportable form submissions, and the ability to accept payments and donations.

Ninja Forms also integrates with a bevy of other tools like MailChimp, Constant Contact, Campaign Monitor, Salesforce, Zoho, Insightly, and more.

Features:

• Drag and drop fields
• Easy row and column layouts
• Multi-page forms
• Conditional forms
• Send or export submissions as PDFs, Excel files, or Google Sheets
• Send email from any form
• Accept PayPal and credit card payments

Pros:

• Light code option for WordPress websites and WordPress developers
• Easy to use drag and drop interface for WordPress
• Great add-ons and plugin library for additional features and workflows

Cons:

• Get’s costly as you scale (especially for agencies)

11. Google Forms

Best for:

Businesses and organizations that need a form builder integrated with Google Workspace and Google Sheets.

Overview:

Google Forms is the de-facto form builder for those who already operate in Google’s Workspace (formerly G Suite). It’s one of the top free online form builders with unlimited submissions and Google’s excellent cross-platform compatibility.

Its intuitive design, linear scale fields, multiple-choice questions, and a direct save to Google Sheets make it one of the most powerful and effective form builder tools around.

You can even automatically generate graphs and charts based on data collected by your Google Forms.

Features:

• Alerts and notifications when a form gets submitted
• Data import and export integrated with Google Sheets
• Conditional logic and multiple question and field types
• Real-time data visualizations, analytics, and reporting

Pros:

• Integrated with Google Workspace
• Great for simple surveys and feedback
• Intuitive design and easy to use for anyone
• Automatic saving and return feature

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced features found in more expensive form builder software solutions
• Video and photo integration is challenging
• Not as powerful if you’re not in the Google universe

12. Microsoft Forms

Best for:

Businesses and organizations that need a form builder integrated with Microsoft Office.

Overview:

Microsoft Forms is an effective form builder software for businesses and organizations with Windows-based platforms using Microsoft Office.

It's a powerful tool for those who want to create forms, surveys, and quizzes.

Microsoft Forms has effortless customization tools and professional email notifications. It's an excellent choice for businesses looking to build forms for lead gathering, events, data collection, and surveys. Additionally, Microsoft Forms offers seamless integration with Excel, allowing users to effortlessly export collected leads and survey data directly to Excel spreadsheets for further analysis and management.

Features:

• Embedded analytics
• Real-time integration with Excel
• File uploads
• Data visualization tools
• Data collection automation
• Secure and compliant forms

Pros:

• Easy collaboration with coworkers and streamlines workflows
• Granular data permissions and security features
• Viral sharing through email, social media, and SMS
• Instant notifications to users when a form is submitted

Cons:

• Offline limitation as the platform is purely web-based
• Limited branching logic
• Limited question types

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Ready to build forms that start conversations?

Forms are a great way to start conversations. They help you capture leads, automate workflows and make it easy for people to interact with your business or organization.

MessageDesk is a business texting service with built-in form builder software. It allows you to create forms for lead collection, event registration, customer feedback and surveys, and more.

Feel free to try out MessageDesk’s forms and shared team inbox by meeting with a messaging expert.