Field types
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PlatoForms provides a wide range of field types for building flexible online forms. Most fields are available in every form builder: web forms (Classic and Conversational), Web PDF Forms, Master Forms and PDF Fillable Forms. The PDF Fillable Form builder offers a smaller set.
By default, fields listed on this page are available in every form type, unless stated otherwise.
Field categories
In the web form builder, fields are grouped into three categories based on their purpose:
- Essential fields: core inputs and structure used in most forms
- Extended fields: specialized input types and system-level controls
- Enhanced features: advanced capabilities beyond standard data collection
The PDF-based builders (Web PDF Form, Master Form and PDF Fillable Form) group the same fields differently: Form & PDF (fields that are on the form and placed on the PDF), Extended Fields and Form only (fields that appear on the form but are not placed on the PDF).
Essential fields
Essential fields cover the most common inputs and basic structure needed to build a form.
Text Input
Text Input fields collect typed answers. PlatoForms offers these options:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Short Text | For short answers like names or titles. |
| Long Text | For detailed responses or longer comments. |
| Numbers | Collect numerical data, such as ages or quantities. |
| Currency | For monetary values like prices or costs. |
| Gather email addresses from users. | |
| Link | Collect website or URL addresses. |
| Date | Record dates like birthdays or deadlines. |
| Time | Capture specific times, such as appointment slots. |
| Date and Time | Gather both date and time details. |
| Phone | Collect phone numbers from users. |
| Country | Allow users to select or enter their country. |
Choice
Choice fields offer predefined options for respondents to select from, commonly used for single or multiple-choice questions.
| Fields | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Choice | Create questions with multiple options for respondents to choose one. |
| Multiple Choices | Ask multiple-choice questions with several options; respondents can choose more than one. |
For more details, check Set Choice properties.
Dropdown
The Dropdown field shows a list of options in a single box, which saves space when there are many choices.
You can also:
- Allow multiple selections
- Require a response
- Enable search functionality
- Specify a default choice and placeholder
For more details, see Set Dropdown properties.
Signature
The Signature field lets respondents draw, type or upload a signature. When the form is sent through an invitation or workflow step with the certificate on, the field shows a consent notice under the pad and the submission comes with a signature certificate.
Rating
Rating fields allow respondents to rate items using a scale.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Slider
Slider fields let respondents select values or ranges by sliding a marker along a scale.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Description / Static Text
Description (web form, Web PDF Form and Master Form builders) / Static Text (PDF Fillable Form builder) allows you to add explanatory or static information.
Section Break
A Section Break divides a form into distinct sections.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Page Break
Page Breaks help organize a form into multiple pages.
- Add a New Page
- Break a New Page
Availability: Web PDF Forms and Master Forms. The web form builder has no Page Break item: add pages with Add Page. A PDF Fillable Form uses the PDF’s own pages.
Extended fields
Extended fields provide structured input types and system-level controls.
Photo
The Photo field enables respondents to upload a single image.
Address
The Address shortcut adds a group of six Text Inputs: Address Line 1, Address Line 2 (optional), City, State/Province, Zip Code/Postal Code and Country. For details, see Set Address properties.
Countdown
The Countdown field lets you add a visible time limit to a form and optionally remind users before time runs out.
This field controls timing and behavior and does not collect user input.
Availability: All form types: web forms, Web PDF Forms, Master Forms and PDF Fillable Forms
For details, see Set Countdown properties.
Enhanced features
Enhanced features add advanced capabilities beyond standard data collection.
File Upload
The File Upload field lets respondents attach files such as images or documents.
For more details, see Set File Upload properties.
Availability: All form types: web forms, Web PDF Forms, Master Forms and PDF Fillable Forms
Embed
The Embed field allows you to embed rich media such as tweets or videos.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Decorative Image
The Decorative Image field adds visual elements to your form layout.
Availability: All form types: web forms, Web PDF Forms, Master Forms and PDF Fillable Forms
Picture Choice
The Picture Choice field presents selectable options as images.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Table
The Table field allows respondents to enter structured data in rows and columns.
For details, see Table properties.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Repeat Field
The Repeat Field allows users to repeat a group of fields multiple times.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Stripe Payment
The Stripe Payment field allows you to securely collect payments via credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
For setup instructions, see Stripe integration.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
PayPal Payment
The PayPal Payment field collects payments through PayPal’s smart button suite, which covers PayPal checkout, credit/debit cards, and Pay Later in a single widget. Supports dynamic pricing and sandbox testing before going live.
For setup instructions, see Set PayPal Payment properties.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Square Payment
The Square Payment field collects payments through a connected Square account, with a fixed amount or an amount taken from a form field.
For setup instructions, see Set Square Payment properties.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Form Entry
The Form Entry field lists other forms for the respondent to open from this form.
For details, see Set Form Entry properties.
Availability: Web forms only
ReCaptcha
The ReCaptcha field helps protect forms from spam and automated submissions.
Availability: All form types: web forms, Web PDF Forms, Master Forms and PDF Fillable Forms
Video
The Video field allows you to embed video content into your form.
Availability: Web forms, Web PDF Forms and Master Forms (not the PDF Fillable Form)
Web forms and PDF-based forms
Web forms support every field type on this page except Page Break (use Add Page).
Web PDF Forms and Master Forms support every field type except Form Entry. Fields such as Countdown, Embed, the payment fields and Video are in the Extended Fields and Form only groups: they work on the form but are not placed on the PDF.
The PDF Fillable Form builder offers Text Input (with its shortcuts and Address), Choice, Dropdown, Signature, Photo, Countdown, Static Text, File Upload, Decorative Image and ReCaptcha.