The Text field collects a short, single-line answer, like a name, an ID, or a project number. This article covers how to add a Text field, format what users enter, and configure its settings.
How the Text field works
A Text field gives users one line to type in. It accepts letters, numbers, and special characters.
For example, a work order can ask for the Site Contact. A hint inside the empty field tells technicians what to enter.
For answers longer than one line, use a Long Text field. For phone numbers, dates, and other fixed number patterns, use a Formatted Numeric field.
Add a Text field
In the Form Builder, select Add Fields in the side bar.
Under Text, select Text to add it after the selected field. You can also drag it onto the canvas where you want it.
The field appears on the canvas as Text Field, and its field settings open on the General tab.
Format and limit the text
Use Text Settings on the General tab to control what users can enter.
In Field Label, enter the question users see, for example Site Contact.
In Format, choose how the app formats the text.
To limit the length of the answer, turn on Enable Min/Max Length. Then enter a Min Length and Max Length in characters.
To hide what the user enters, turn on Secure (Mask Value).
Format | What it does |
|---|---|
None (Default) | Keeps the text as the user enters it |
All Uppercase | Changes every letter to uppercase |
All Lowercase | Changes every letter to lowercase |
Sentence | Capitalizes the first letter of each sentence |
Note
Secure (Mask Value) hides the value in the app only. The value still appears in the submission.
Configure the field
Use the General, Behavior, and Appearance tabs in Field Settings to control how the field works.
Tab | Setting | What it does |
|---|---|---|
General | Field Label | The question users see on the form |
General | Field Key | The key that identifies the field in submissions, rules, and calculations |
General | Format | Changes the case of the text: None (Default), All Uppercase, All Lowercase, or Sentence |
General | Default Value | Fills in the field each time a user starts the form |
General | Enable Min/Max Length | Limits the answer to the Min Length and Max Length you enter, in characters |
General | Secure (Mask Value) | Hides the entered value in the app |
General | Required Field | Users must fill in the field before they can submit the form |
General | Hint Text | Text shown in the empty field to tell users what to enter |
Behavior | Hide Field | Hides the field in the app |
Behavior | Hide Field Label | Shows the field without its label |
Behavior | Exclude From Reports | Leaves the field's value out of reports. The value stays in the submission data |
Behavior | Enabled | When off, the field is grayed out and users can't change it |
Behavior | Memory Field (Persist Value) | Remembers the last submitted value and fills it in the next time the user opens the form. Learn more about memory fields |
Behavior | Capture GPS Location | Records the GPS coordinates from when the field was last changed |
Behavior | Capture Timestamp | Records the date and time the field was last changed |
Appearance | Background Color | Gives the field a color. Learn more about alert types |
Select Save Draft to save your changes. Users see them after you select Publish.
Set up the field with the Assistant
You can also ask the Assistant to add a Text field or change its settings.
Select Assistant in the side bar.
Describe what you want, for example Add a text field called Site Contact after Title. Make it required, with the hint text Enter the full name or Limit Work Order ID to 10 characters.
Send the message.
The Assistant can add, rename, and move the field. It can also set the hint text, default value, length limits, and required setting, or change the field to another type.
To work on one field, select the Assistant icon on the field. Then choose Change Field Type, or a quick action such as Make this optional or Hide this field's label.
Note
Assistant changes aren't saved until you select Save Draft.