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When Should I Use This?
Use these settings when you need to:
Show real-time feedback if an applicant provides disqualifying information.
Configure field-level eligibility rules using “expected values that determine eligibility.”
Make a question mandatory using the Required Toggle (fields marked with a red asterisk).
Enforce a minimum or maximum character length for text input.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Open the FORM editor and turn on Edit Mode (Toggle).
(Optional) Turn on Preview (Toggle) to view and test changes.
Select the form section you want to update in the editor. The main content area displays editable fields for that section (including input fields, dropdowns, and file uploads).
Add or select a custom field using the Custom Fields Menu (for example: Text Field, Number Field, Contact Field, Dropdown/Radio/Checkbox, Document Uploader).
In the field settings (Field tab), set the Title and Question text.
To make the field required, use Required Toggle:
Toggle Blue – Required
Toggle Gray – Not required
If you’re using Dropdown, Radio, or Checkbox, choose a Widget Type and add answer choices:
Click “Add a New option,” type the answer, then click the add icon to save the option.
If you select Dropdown, an additional field appears for Enable Dropdown Search.
(Optional) Add input guardrails:
Minimum Length (optional) to enforce a minimum character length
Maximum Length to enforce a maximum character limit
To use eligibility-based screening, create or update a section so it is an Eligibility Section (documented as something Process Admin members can mark when creating a custom form section).
In an eligibility section, configure field-level eligibility rules by setting “expected values that determine eligibility.”
Configure the Eligibility Pop up settings for the section:
Eligibility Section toggle turns the eligibility pop-up behavior on/off
Choose whether an applicant is “completely stopped” or “allowed to move forward without meeting eligibility criteria”
Set Eligibility Title and Eligibility Message (example message text is documented)
Click Save Changes to save updates without making them visible to applicants.
Click Publish (Blue button) to apply saved updates and make them live on the form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting to Publish: saved updates are not live until you click Publish (Blue button).
Activating a program before the form is ready: the guide warns that launching a program with a form that is not complete can expose sections and fields that are not configured.
Marking a field as required but not setting clear answer options for selection fields (Dropdown/Radio/Checkbox): the guide documents adding options through “Add a New option” before the field can function as intended.
Enabling an eligibility section without setting an Eligibility Title and Eligibility Message for the applicant pop-up.
Best Practices for FORWARD Direct Users
Use Preview (Toggle) to test layout and flow before publishing changes.
Use Save Changes for drafts, then Publish once updates are ready to go live.
Before activating a program, confirm the form is complete and published, based on the guide’s “IMPORTANT” note.
If you use the Contact Field, note it supports email and/or phone formatting and can allow notifications to be sent to those inputs (as documented).
FAQ
How do required fields show up for applicants?
Required fields are marked with a red asterisk (*) when the Required Toggle is set to required.
Can I stop an applicant if they don’t meet eligibility criteria?
Yes. In an Eligibility Section, the guide describes a pop-up shown when applicants provide disqualifying information, and a toggle that can stop them or allow them to continue.
Who can mark a section as an Eligibility Section?
The guide states that Process Admin members can mark a custom form section as an Eligibility Section when creating it.
What does Publish do?
Publish (Blue button) applies saved updates and makes them live on the form.
Can I test changes before they go live?
Yes. Preview (Toggle) lets team members view and test form changes before publishing.