You need to build a form but where to build it? We have multiple campus form tools for different purposes so check out the details of each form option to decide.
Google Forms
Google Forms is the most available and easy to use form option. All faculty, staff, and students with a Meredith email address have access to creating and storing Google Forms.
Google Forms is a great option for creating quick, basic forms that don’t need to be shared widely.
Pros:
- Fully digital
- Anyone with Google account can use
- Easy to use
- Flexible options such as sections, multiple question types, and basic logic
- Collect files
- Easy to share
- Link to a Google Sheet
Drawbacks:
- Not secure – does not filter spam responses
- Cannot collect files across domains – a faculty/staff made form cannot collect files from students and vice versa
- No digital signatures
- No advanced workflows
Foxit PDF Editor
Foxit PDF Editor is exactly what its name says – a PDF editor. It has limited form capabilities but can automatically create fillable fields in a form and has options for digital signatures.
Foxit forms are a great option if you need a hard copy of the form.
Pros:
- License to all faculty and staff
- Installed on all campus computers
- Automatically create fillable forms
- Built-in accessibility checker
- Can add a digital signature
Drawbacks:
- Not fully digital
- Must be downloaded and/or printed by user
- More difficult to use
Formstack
Formstack easily creates robust forms. These forms have the option for spam filters and are used for forms that need wide distribution.
Formstack is perfect for more complicated forms such as using form logic, for short-term or one-time projects, and forms shared externally such as on the Meredith.edu website. Contact IDAT Services for all Formstack requests and questions.
Pros:
- Fully digital
- Many flexible field options
- Field logic (if/then field visibility)
- Secure against spam
Drawbacks:
- Limited licenses – most forms built by IDAT Services
- No digital signature
- No workflows
Onbase
Onbase is our campus archival system. You may be familiar with their services to scan paper records. Onbase also has form capabilities and submissions are automatically archived.
Onbase forms are a good option for workflows and submission information that requires an archive. Forms take longer to develop so Onbase is not good for short-term or one-time projects. Contact Tech Services for all Onbase forms and questions.
Pros:
- Fully digital
- Automatic archiving
- Approval workflows
Drawbacks:
- Built exclusively by Tech Services – must request
- Longer development time
- Not all forms accepted
MyMeredith Forms
The new MyMeredith includes a forms tool with robust workflow options. We are still exploring this piece of the new software and will update best use case suggestions at a later time.
If you think your form may be a good fit for the intranet, please contact IDAT Services.
Pros:
- Fully digital
- Form fields can be tied to user information
- Workflows
- Advanced permissions so only certain groups can see or submit a form
Drawbacks:
- Built exclusively by IDAT Services – must request
- Longer development time
We hope this has helped you decide the right tool for building your form. If you’re unsure or need assistance with more complex forms, IDAT Services is here to help. Reach out to us today to get started!