How to Create a Fillable Form in Google Docs

how to create a fillable form in google docs
by David Harris // January 15  

Making a fillable form in Google Docs proves useful, whether collecting feedback, gathering information for an event, or conducting a survey. This article examines creating a fillable form in Google Docs, includes real-world examples, shares best practices, and highlights common pitfalls to avoid.

What is a Fillable Form?

Before diving into the “how-to,” it’s essential to clarify what a fillable form is. A fillable form is a digital document enabling users to input information directly into designated fields. Unlike a traditional document, a fillable form can be completed online and submitted electronically. A great example is when my sister coordinated her wedding last year. She needed information from her guests (like meal preferences and if they would attend), and a fillable form made it easy for all her guests to respond directly with their answers.

How to Create/Make a Fillable Form in Google Docs

Creating a fillable form can be broken down into several straightforward steps.

Step 1: Open Google Docs

Start by navigating to Google Docs. If you have a Google account, simply log in and select “Blank” to start a new document.

Step 2: Create Your Form Structure

Think about the type of information you need to collect. You might want to include sections such as:

  • Contact Information
  • Survey Questions
  • Event RSVP

For example, if you’re creating a survey to assess customer satisfaction for your blog readers, consider including questions like “How satisfied are you with the content?” or “What topics would you like to see in the future?”

Step 3: Add Fields for Responses

Next, it’s time to create fillable fields. Here are some ways to do it:

  • Text Fields: You can easily create a space for users to enter text using underscore lines ().
  • Checkboxes: For responses that require options, use the bulleted list feature. You can create checkboxes manually or use the bullet list tool in Google Docs.
  • Multiple Choice: To offer choices, consider writing question prompts and listing the options afterward.

Here’s a hypothetical example: if you want to ask, “What is your favorite color?” you might write:

What is your favorite color? (Select one)

– [ ] Red

– [ ] Blue

– [ ] Green

– [ ] Other: __________

Step 4: Format Your Form

Formatting is crucial to ensure your form is easy to read. Use headings to divide sections, bullet points to list choices, and bold text for questions. Also, consider adjusting the alignment of your fields so they look organized and professional.

Pros and Cons of Creating Fillable Forms in Google Docs

Pros:

  • User-Friendly: Google Docs is simple to use, and many people are familiar with it.
  • Free to Use: You don’t need to spend money accessing Google Docs.
  • Easily Accessible: Forms can be shared easily through a link or attached to emails.

Cons:

  • Limited Functionality: Compared to dedicated survey tools, Google Docs can be less functional for complex data collection.
  • Lack of Automatic Data Collection: There’s no built-in method for automatically compiling the responses, so you’ll have to gather the results manually.

Best Practices for Creating Fillable Forms

  1. Keep It Simple: Don’t overload your form with too many questions. Keep it concise to encourage more responses.
  2. Use Clear Language: Make your questions straightforward to avoid confusion.
  3. Test Your Form: Before sharing your form, ensure everything works as intended and that response fields are clear.

Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Overcomplicating Questions: Avoid using jargon or complex language that might confuse users.
  • Not Providing Instructions: Users might not know how to complete your form properly. Providing a brief introduction or a note about how to fill out the form can help.
  • Forgetting to Share the Form: Once you’ve created the form, remember to share it with your audience, whether via email, social media, or embedding it in your website.

Collecting and Analyzing Results

Once you have received the completed forms, you must gather the information. To do this, replicate the responses into a spreadsheet in Google Sheets for easier analysis. According to Google Workspace, this can enhance your data analysis and make it much easier to draw insights from the information collected (Google Workspace).

For example, after my sister’s wedding, she compiled the meal choices from her guests using a Google Sheet, making it straightforward to communicate with the catering service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Create A Fillable Form In Google Docs

Q. What is a fillable form in Google Docs?
A. A fillable form in Google Docs allows users to enter information directly into designated fields. This feature makes it easy to collect data from others.

Q. How do I start creating a fillable form in Google Docs?
A. To start, open Google Docs, create a new document, and then plan the fields where you want people to fill in their information.

Q. Can I use tables to organize my fillable form?
A. Yes! You can use tables in Google Docs to align text fields and make your form look neat and organized.

Q. How do I add text boxes for people to fill out?
A. You can use the “Insert” menu, choose “Drawing,” and then use the “Text box” option. After adding it, save it and close it to insert it into the document.

Q. Can I customize the look of my fillable form?
A. Yes! You can change fonts, colors, and styles like any other Google Doc to make your form visually appealing.

Q. How do I share my fillable form with others?
A. Click the “Share” button in the top right corner, and then you can send it via email or get a shareable link.

Q. Can I limit the number of characters a user can input?
A. Google Docs has no built-in feature to limit character input, but you can indicate character limits in the form instructions.

Q. Is it possible to collect responses from a Google Docs form?
A. While Google Docs doesn’t collect responses, you can create a Google Form, which integrates well with Google Drive.

Q. What if I want to add checkboxes to my form?
A. You can create checkboxes using the “Bulleted list” option and select the checkbox style from the dropdown menu.

Q. Can I save my fillable form as a template for future use?
A. Absolutely! Save it as a template for future use and make a copy whenever necessary.

Conclusion

Developing a fillable form in Google Docs is a useful skill that can simplify data collection for various purposes. Following this article, you can easily design forms that users can complete. Remember to continuously test and improve your forms based on feedback so you can fine-tune your approach over time.

With the right setup, you can make gathering information a breeze! So whether you’re planning an event, conducting a survey, or need to collect data for your blog, don’t hesitate to try out this handy feature in Google Docs. Happy form building!

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.