1. Introduction

When creating forms, you have two options: the Drag and Drop builder or the traditional HTML method. The Drag and Drop tool is a user-friendly option that allows your team to create and manage forms independently using a PDF file as a visual backdrop—no coding experience required. However, this method is best suited for simpler forms with straightforward functionality. Forms requiring advanced features—such as calculations, conditional logic, user-based restrictions, or more than 75 input fields—are better suited for the traditional HTML route. This FAQ guide will help you determine whether Drag and Drop is the right fit for your form by answering common questions about its capabilities, limitations, and ideal use cases.


2. FAQ

What is the best use case for creating forms using the Drag and Drop feature rather than the traditional HTML option?

  • When building simple forms that do not require complex rules:
    What is considered a "simple" form?
    • When there is no need for HTML:
      HTML can be a complex language, requiring up-front knowledge on how to code. Its complexity offers a lot of flexibility for designing a form. It is also often required when needing to use JavaScript. Drag and Drop forms do not use nor convert any HTML language, and is therefore a stand-alone solution. Drag and Drop forms are designed based on a PDF file that is created and uploaded by your staff. This provides an image background where new input fields can be added as an overlay.
       
    • When there is no need for JavaScript (JS):
      JavaScript is also a complex language requiring up-front knowledge. While JavaScript is available with Drag and Drop forms, JS will need manually coded by our developers as the code cannot be automated.
      Coding custom JS within Drag and Drop forms is more difficult than alongside traditional HTML as most JS requires references to HTML in order to work. It is best to go the HTML route and contact our Support team to help build any forms that will need special rules in place for a form.

      Examples for needing HTML and/or JavaScript:
      • When there is a need for calculations, like totaling values across multiple fields involving costs, rates, or other numeric values

      • When there are restrictions or requirements based on which user is logged in when submitting or editing a form 

      • Where there are conditional needs: This could involve situations where we only want to display or require certain fields based on previous selections within the form.

  • When the form will not change often:
    • Drag and Drop uses a backdrop from a PDF upload. If any changes need to be made, a new PDF will need to be created and uploaded in place of the current. This is completely possible with our tool, but you may need to move around the fields you previously added if the new PDF file that is uploaded, has significant changes.

  • When you prefer to create and manage forms directly with your staff:
    • The Drag and Drop tool is most useful for forms that you would like to build and manage on your own. Our team will of course be happy to help in providing the necessary tools and instructions for you to accomplish your goals.

  • When there are less than 75 input fields needed on a form, as this is our current limit for Drag and Drop forms.

NOTE: Drag and Drop forms cannot be converted into HTML or vice versa, so a new Template will need added a different method is deemed necessary.


3. Related Articles 

Custom Forms: Creating Drag and Drop PDF Templates 

Custom Forms: Custom Forms that are currently available in SCView

Custom Forms: How Do I Enter a Custom Form?