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How Do I Add a Form in WordPress?

Published in WordPress Development 4 mins read

Adding a form to your WordPress website is simple and can be done in a few different ways.

1. Using a WordPress Form Plugin

The easiest way to add a form is to use a WordPress form plugin. These plugins allow you to create various types of forms, including contact forms, subscription forms, and surveys.

Here are some popular form plugins:

  • Contact Form 7: This plugin is free and offers a basic, easy-to-use interface for creating contact forms.
  • WPForms: This plugin offers a more advanced feature set, including drag-and-drop form building, payment integration, and conditional logic.
  • Gravity Forms: This plugin is a powerful option with advanced features for building complex forms.

To add a form using a plugin:

  1. Install and activate the plugin: Search for the plugin in the WordPress plugin directory or upload it manually.
  2. Create a new form: Go to the plugin's settings and create a new form.
  3. Customize the form: Add fields, change the layout, and adjust the settings.
  4. Embed the form: Copy the shortcode or embed code generated by the plugin and paste it into the page or post where you want to display the form.

2. Using a Form Builder

You can also use a form builder website to create a form and then embed it into your WordPress site. Some popular form builders include:

  • Wufoo: Offers a drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of form features.
  • Typeform: Focuses on creating beautiful and engaging forms.
  • Formstack: Provides a comprehensive set of form building tools and integrations.

To add a form using a form builder:

  1. Create an account: Sign up for a free or paid account with the form builder of your choice.
  2. Create a new form: Use the form builder's interface to design and customize your form.
  3. Embed the form: Copy the embed code generated by the form builder and paste it into your WordPress page or post.

3. Using HTML and CSS

If you are comfortable with HTML and CSS, you can create a form directly in your WordPress theme. However, this method requires more technical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.

To add a form using HTML and CSS:

  1. Create an HTML form: Use HTML tags to create the form elements, such as input fields, buttons, and labels.
  2. Style the form: Use CSS to style the form's appearance.
  3. Add form processing code: Include PHP code to handle form submissions and send data to your email or database.

4. Using a Shortcode Generator

Some WordPress plugins and themes include shortcode generators that allow you to create forms without writing any code.

To add a form using a shortcode generator:

  1. Access the shortcode generator: Find the shortcode generator in your plugin or theme settings.
  2. Create a new form: Use the generator to create a form and customize its fields and settings.
  3. Insert the shortcode: Copy the generated shortcode and paste it into the page or post where you want to display the form.

No matter which method you choose, adding a form to your WordPress website is a straightforward process. Consider your needs and technical expertise when choosing the best method for you.

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