First, you’ll need to set up the basic form structure. To do this, use an opening
tag. This structure acts as a frame to contain all the related form content.
Next, you’ll want to add attributes to the fields. Use the label attribute to identify which field is which, and use the input attribute to determine what data type should be entered into it. Sometimes you’ll also want to add placeholder attribute to provide text that can give visitors more info on how to fill out the form.
Once you’ve set up your basic structure, it’s time to add in some visuals. Here, you’ll use HTML attributes to add size and shape to the form fields and make them look more professional. Once the shape and size are set, you can use CSS to add more layers of design, such as color, font, and more.
Now that your form looks polished, you’ll need to set up the form validation. This means you’ll be writing a small bit of code that will compare the data that’s entered into each field to what it should be. For example, if someone enters in a wrong email address or a phone number with the wrong number of digits, the validation should prompt them to fill out the field correctly.
Finally, you’ll want to set the action for the form. In the HTML input field, you’ll define which page should be the recipient of the data submitted by the form. When someone clicks the submit button all the form data should immediately be sent to this page.
These are the basics of drawing forms in HTML. By incorporating the steps above you’ll be able to easily put together a powerful and high-converting form — and ensure that your visitors get the best experience possible when filling it out.
Attributes
Attributes provide labels and visual features like size and shape to your fields, making it easier for both your visitors and yourself to tell your form apart from other forms out there. In HTML, attributes come in two forms – the label attribute, which contains the actual label that visitors will see, and the input attribute, which will contain the actual data that visitors enter. You’ll also want to make sure to include a placeholder attribute in your forms to give visitors additional info about how to fill out the form.
CSS
Once the shape and size of your form fields are set, use CSS to add more layers of design. With CSS, you’ll be able to change the font, color, and design of the form fields, allowing you to match the look and feel of your website. Plus, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use CSS to create animations or hover effects for your form!
Validation
Validation is the most important step in setting up a HTML form. The purpose of validation is to check the data entered into your form fields to make sure it conforms to what it should be. Validation should alert your visitors when they’ve entered in wrong data and let them know how they should correct it in order to successfully submit the form.
Action
Finally, you’ll want to set the action for the form. This tells the form where the data should be sent to once the user has clicked the submit button. You’ll also want to make sure to include a back link that will return users to the page they came from.
Design Tips
When designing your forms, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, break up your form fields into easy-to-read sections. This will make it easier for visitors to read and understand the form. Second, use plenty of whitespace — try to make sure there’s enough of a gap between each field so that your form won’t look cramped. Last but not least, keep your form to a reasonable length — too many form fields can be overwhelming, so try to only include the essential information.
