Overview of HTML Forms
Let's do a quick recap! HTML forms allow websites to collect information from users through input fields like text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdowns, and more. They’re widely used for:
- Contact pages
- Event registrations
- Appointment bookings
- Newsletter subscriptions
- Applications, and more!
Anybody with a bit of knowledge on coding can build their own HTML form manually, from scratch!
Pros of building and using raw HTML Forms
- Total control over layout and behavior: When using raw HTML, developers can design and customize the look and logic of their form manually—from how fields are arranged, to the styling of buttons, to how data is validated and submitted. Thus, allowing them to tweak at the smallest of details and make it perfect for their unique requirements.
- Lightweight and fast-loading: HTML forms don’t require external libraries like React, jQuery, or form plugins. They consist of native browser elements. No third-party scripts or dependencies are required. This reduces page load time, which improves performance, especially on slow networks or mobile devices. For example, a contact form built with raw HTML and minimal CSS/JavaScript might load in milliseconds compared to one built with a large JavaScript library.
- Seamless integration with custom backend systems: You can directly connect your form’s submission logic to any server-side language or database you want—PHP, Node.js, Python, etc. This is ideal for developers building custom systems or who don’t want to rely on third-party form services and prefer a tailored solution.
- Browser-native compatibility: HTML forms are part of the web standard, so all modern browsers understand and render them consistently without additional setup. They work universally on mobile devices and desktops alike.
Cons of building and using raw HTML Forms
Requires coding knowledge: Building forms, validations, and handling submissions demand HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side scripting skills and is difficult for most people to handle.
No built-in analytics or reporting: You’ll need to build your own analytics or use third-party tracking, which can make things a lot more complicated and time consuming.
Manual setup for security: Features like CAPTCHA, encryption, or spam protection must be added manually.
Limited scalability: Adding new fields or workflows can become complex quickly because this often requires extensive coding knowledge.
Lack of integrations: Connecting forms to CRM tools, email marketing software, or cloud storage requires extra development work.
Now that you're aware of the pros and cons of HTML forms, let's see how you can eliminate the drawbacks of using raw HTML forms while still maximising the benefits of HTML forms with Zoho Forms!
How Zoho Forms solves some major HTML form Challenges
While HTML forms give you extensive control over the build and function of your forms, Zoho Forms offers an online HTML form builder that does all this and more: it gives you both control and convenience!
Challenges of raw HTML Forms | How Zoho Forms Solves them |
---|---|
Requires coding | Drag-and-drop form builder with no coding needed |
Lacks built-in analytics | Built-in form analytics, reports management, and performance tracking |
Manual spam protection | CAPTCHA, email verification, and field validation are all built in |
Complex integrations | Simple integrations with Zoho CRM, other Zoho apps and third party apps such as Google Sheets, Mailchimp, and more |
No automation | Automated email workflows, task assignments, multilevel advanced approvals, and real-time alerts |
No storage or backups | Cloud-based data storage, with export and audit logs |
Not mobile-friendly by default | All Zoho Forms are responsive and mobile-optimized straight out of the box |
Why Use Zoho Forms to build your forms instead of raw HTML?
By using Zoho Forms to create HTML Forms, you can overcome some crucial hiccups in your form building and execution process:
- Save time and eliminate the need for developers. The drag-and-drop process ensures that you can make complex forms without knowing any coding!
- Deploy professional forms in minutes, not hours. Zoho Forms' prebuilt HTML form templates and the newly released AI forms make it easy to push out complex forms in a fraction of the time.
- Scale forms effortlessly with advanced conditional logic, and multi-step layouts. Make your forms responsive to user input data and allow respondents to skip past unnecessary steps, increasing the rate of form submission.
- Improve user experience and data accuracy. With features such as field validation, you decrease the chances of spam responses and ensure accurate form data submission.
Benefits of using HTML forms with Zoho Forms
Zoho Forms is the best html form builder for you because it doesn't just simplify the form creation process; it also streamlines the data collection workflow in all respects by managing your entire backend system!
Easy form creation—No coding required
Create professional forms using a drag-and-drop builder. Zoho Forms offers over 40 field types, customizable themes, and templates designed for every use case.
Mobile-optimized and responsive
All forms are mobile-ready by default. Reach your users on any device without worrying about mobile optimization or screen resizing.
Automated workflows
Trigger emails, assign tasks, set up multilevel advanced approval workflows, or push data to your CRM with powerful automation tools. Say goodbye to manual follow-ups.
Secure data collection
Zoho Forms offers SSL encryption, CAPTCHA, and GDPR compliance to ensure user data is always protected.
Seamless integrations
Connect your forms with Zoho CRM, Google Sheets, Mailchimp, and over 50+ other tools. Automatically update your databases in real-time.
Advanced analytics
Track form performance with in-depth reports and analytics. Identify drop-off points, view completion rates, and optimize for better results.
Why spend time coding basic forms when you can do more with Zoho Forms? Build, share, and analyze your forms from a single, intuitive dashboard.