How to Build Your First Application Form

When Should I Use This?

Use this workflow when you need to:

• Build a new application form for a program you’re setting up 

• Update the structure of an existing form (sections, order, or section settings) 

• Preview how the form will appear before publishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open your program and go to the FORM section. 

2. In the left sidebar, review the available form sections. 

3. Select a section in the sidebar to view and edit its details. 

4. To reorder sections, drag and drop sections in the left sidebar. 

5. To enable or disable a section, toggle it on or off from the sidebar. 

6. To add a new section, choose + Add Section. 

7. To update a section’s settings, edit the section’s:

   • Title

   • Group

   • Eligibility Toggle 

8. To preview your form, use Preview Language to see the form content in different languages. 

9. Select Save to save your changes. 

10. When you’re ready for the form to go live for your program, select Publish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Reordering sections but forgetting to Save. Use Save after making changes. 

• Skipping preview before publishing. Use Preview Language to verify the form experience. 

• Publishing before you’ve confirmed section settings. Double-check each section’s Title, Group, and Eligibility Toggle first.

Best Practices for FORWARD Direct Users

• Preview before you publish. Use Preview Language to confirm what applicants will see. 

• Use sections to keep forms organized. The left sidebar is designed to help you structure, reorder, and manage sections clearly. 

• Publish only when ready. Publish is the action that makes your updated form available for the program.

FAQ

Where do I build my application form?

You build and manage your application form in the program’s FORM section. 

How do I reorder form sections?

Drag and drop sections in the left sidebar to change the order. 

How do I preview the form in another language?

Use Preview Language to view the form in different languages before you publish. 

What’s the difference between Save and Publish?

Save stores your changes. Publish is used when you’re ready for the updated form to be live for your program.