.png)
When Should I Use This?
Use Adding Custom Fields to Your Form when you need to:
Add new questions or inputs that are not already on your form (for example, a Text Field, Dropdown, or Document Uploader).Collect files as part of a submission using Document Uploader (PDFs, images, or documents).
Collect structured, repeatable data using a Table field.
Add fields like Signature, Address AutoComplete, NAICS Selector, or Date Selector when they match your program’s form needs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
In the FORM editor, turn on Edit Mode (Toggle) to make changes and updates to the form.
In the form’s main area, locate where you want to add a new field (the form displays editable fields for the selected section).
Open the Custom Fields Menu.
Select the field type you want to add (examples include):
Text Field, Number Field, Contact Field
Dropdown, Radio, Checkbox
Multiple Selection
Currency Field
Document Uploader
Table
Date Dropdown, Date Selector, Year DropdownAddress AutoComplete, Signature, Payment, NAICS Selector
Use the field settings to configure your new field:
Title and Question (the question is required and marked with a red asterisk *).
Description (displays under the title).
Required Toggle (blue = required, gray = not required).
Text Area Toggle (sets a field as a multi-line text area).
Field Width (Full, Half, Third).
Help Text (optional instructions shown beneath the field).
Placeholder (shown inside the input before users type).
If your field uses selection options, configure Widget Type and answer options:
Widget Type can display answers as Radio Buttons, Dropdown, or checkboxes (and may show extra options like Enable Dropdown Search or Radio Button Orientation).
Add answers by clicking Add a New option, typing your answer, and clicking the add icon (for Dropdown, Radio Button, and Checkbox answers).
Use Preview (Toggle) to view and test your changes (you can switch languages from the English dropdown in Preview).
Click Save Changes to save updates without making them visible to applicants.
Click Publish (Blue button) to apply all saved updates and make them live on the form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making updates but forgetting to click Publish (Blue button). Save Changes does not make updates visible to applicants.
Activating a program when the FORM is not complete and published, which can expose sections and fields that are not configured for your program.
Creating a selection field (Dropdown/Radio/Checkbox) but not adding any answer options using Add a New option.
Expecting Chartable, Reportable, or Notification options when PII is true (those options are not available if PII is true).
Best Practices for FORWARD Direct Users
Use Preview (Toggle) to test layout and flow before publishing changes.
Use Save Changes as you work, then Publish (Blue button) when you are ready for updates to go live.
Before activating a program, confirm the FORM is complete and published to avoid exposing unfinished sections and fields.
If you’re working with eligibility rules, note that Process Admin members can mark a custom form section as an Eligibility Section when creating it.
FAQ
What’s the difference between Save Changes and Publish?
Save Changes saves updates without making them visible to applicants. Publish (Blue button) applies all saved updates and makes them live on the form.
Can I preview my form before publishing?
Yes. Use Preview (Toggle) to view and test form changes, including layout and flow.
How do I add answer choices to a dropdown or checkbox?
Choose a Widget Type, then click Add a New option, type your answer, and click the add icon to include it.
Can applicants upload documents in the form?
Yes. Use Document Uploader to allow uploads such as PDFs, images, or documents as part of a submission.
Why don’t I see Chartable or Reportable options on some fields?
If PII is true, Chartable, Reportable, and Notification options are not available.