How can you use document creation software to build a data collection form?

1 Choose a template

The first step to create a data collection form is to choose a template that suits your needs. Document creation software usually offers a range of templates for different types of forms, such as forms with checkboxes, radio buttons, drop-down lists, text boxes, or tables. You can browse the available templates and select the one that matches your purpose and style. Alternatively, you can start from a blank document and create your own layout.

2 Customize your form

The next step is to customize your form according to your preferences and requirements. You can edit the text, font, color, and size of the labels, questions, and instructions on your form. You can also add, delete, or modify the form fields, such as changing the options, values, or names of the checkboxes, radio buttons, or drop-down lists. You can use the tools and menus of your document creation software to adjust the alignment, spacing, and borders of your form elements.

3 Add validation and protection

The third step is to add validation and protection to your form to ensure that the data you collect is accurate and secure. Validation means that you set some rules or criteria for the form fields, such as requiring a specific format, length, or range of input. For example, you can use validation to make sure that the email address field contains a valid email address, or that the date field follows a certain format. Protection means that you lock or restrict the editing of your form, so that only the form fields can be filled in by the respondents. For example, you can use protection to prevent the respondents from changing the labels, questions, or instructions on your form.

4 Test and preview your form

The fourth step is to test and preview your form before you distribute it to your target audience. Testing and previewing your form allows you to check if your form works as intended, and if there are any errors or issues that need to be fixed. You can test and preview your form by filling it in yourself, or by asking someone else to do it for you. You can also use the preview mode or the print preview option of your document creation software to see how your form looks on the screen or on paper.

5 Share and collect your form

The final step is to share and collect your form with your target audience. You can share and collect your form in different ways, depending on your document creation software and your preferences. For example, you can save your form as a PDF file and attach it to an email, or upload it to a cloud storage service and share the link. You can also use online platforms or tools that integrate with your document creation software, such as Microsoft Forms, Google Forms, or JotForm, to share and collect your form online. You can then access and analyze the data you collect from your form using your document creation software or other applications.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?