Introduction

This guide provides instructions for saving a form's progress as a draft when filling out a custom form as an anonymous user. By using the draft functionality, you can pause your form completion and return later to finish and submit the form at your convenience.


A. Problem Statement

Anonymous users completing online forms face a significant challenge: navigating away from the page or experiencing an unexpected interruption results in complete loss of entered information. This creates frustration, reduces form completion rates, and potentially discourages users from attempting to submit the form again.


B. Solution

Implement a robust Save Draft functionality that empowers users to preserve their partial form progress, receive a secure, unique recovery link via email, seamlessly resume form completion at their convenience and reduce form abandonment and improve user experience. The solution provides a user-friendly mechanism that allows individuals to save their work, eliminate the risk of data loss, and complete forms on their own schedule, ultimately increasing form submission rates and user satisfaction.


Step 1:

Using the link that was given to you, open it in the web browser of your choosing. We recommend Chrome. 


Step 2:

Proceed to fill out the form. If at any point you need to leave your screen, hit the Save Draft button in the bottom right next to the Submit button.

Step 3:

This will bring up a popup that will prompt you to enter your email address.

Step 4:

Once you enter your email address, click Confirm. You will receive a confirmation popup. Check your email after for the link to your form.

Note: You will be able to save a draft as many times as you need; Just make sure to click the button each time before leaving the form.


C. Best Practices

Save Drafts Frequently

  • Click the Save Draft button periodically to ensure your progress is not lost
  • Do this especially after completing significant sections of the form
  • Recommended to save after every 5-10 minutes of work

Use a Reliable Email Address

  • Enter a valid, frequently checked email address
  • Ensure the email can receive draft recovery links
  • Check spam or junk folders if draft link is not immediately visible


D. Troubleshooting

Draft Link Not Received

  • Verify email address was entered correctly
  • Check spam/junk email folders
  • Request a new draft link if original link expires
  • Ensure no email blocking rules are in place


E. Related Articles

Custom Forms: How Do I Enter a Custom Form? 

Custom Forms: Filling Out Sensitivity Levels


Conclusion

The Save Draft feature represents a significant advancement in user-centric form design, providing individuals with unprecedented flexibility and convenience when completing online forms. By addressing the common frustration of losing partially completed information, this functionality empowers users to work at their own pace, free from the anxiety of potential data loss. Our solution not only reduces form abandonment rates but also demonstrates a commitment to understanding and addressing user needs. Whether you're filling out a complex application or submitting important documentation, the draft saving mechanism ensures that your progress is protected, transforming what was once a potentially stressful experience into a seamless, user-friendly process.