What is Jotform? An In-Depth Review You Need to Know

Collecting data efficiently is essential for businesses and individuals alike. Jotform provides a practical solution, offering a wide array of tools designed to simplify everything from event sign-ups to feedback collection. Known for its ease of use and versatility,

Jotform helps users across various fields create forms tailored to their specific needs. In this article, we'll explore what is Jotform and how it stands out and why it has become a go-to platform for form building and data management.

What is Jotform?

Jotform is an online no-code form builder that allows users to create custom forms quickly without programming knowledge. It offers drag-and-drop functionality, a wide range of templates, and integrations with over 1,000 apps, making it ideal for data collection, workflow automation, and secure payment processing.

Getting Started with Jotform

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Getting started with Jotform is a simple and straightforward process, designed to get users up and running quickly, whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced user. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Create an Account
   • To begin, head over to the Jotform website and sign up for an account. You can register using your email or sign up through Google or Microsoft, for convenience. A free account is available with basic features, which is ideal for testing the platform.
2. Explore the Dashboard
   • Once logged in, you'll be directed to the Jotform dashboard. This is your central hub where you can create, manage, and organize your forms. The dashboard is user-friendly and provides quick access to all essential tools, including form templates and integrations.
3. Choose a Template or Build from Scratch
   • Jotform offers a wide selection of templates that can save you time. These templates are organized by industry and form type, such as contact forms, surveys, class registrations, and more. If you prefer, you can also start from scratch and build a custom form using Jotform’s drag-and-drop editor.
4. Customize Your Form
   • Using the drag-and-drop editor, you can easily add or modify fields in your form. You can choose from basic fields (like text boxes and checkboxes) or advanced options (such as file uploads, payment gateways, and conditional logic). Customization options also include adding your branding elements, like logos and colors, to match your style.
5. Set Up Integrations
   • Jotform integrates with over 1,000 apps, including popular services like Google Sheets, Stripe, Saleforce, and Mailchimp. To set up an integration, simply go to the integration settings within your form and select the apps you need to streamline your workflow.
6. Publish Your Form
   • After creating and customizing your form, publishing is easy. You can embed the form on your website, share a direct link, or distribute it through email. Jotform also allows for social media sharing to reach a broader audience.
7. Manage and Analyze Responses
   • Once your form is live, you can manage submissions through your Jotform dashboard. The platform provides tools for organizing, analyzing, and exporting responses. You’ll also receive notifications for new submissions, keeping you informed in real-time.

Whether you’re looking to create simple forms or advanced workflows, Jotform makes the setup process intuitive, with plenty of customization and integration options to meet a wide range of needs.

10 Key Features and Benefits of Jotform

Jotform offers a range of features aimed at simplifying form creation and enhancing data collection processes. Below is an overview of its key features and benefits, assessed from a neutral perspective:

1. No-Code Form Builder

• Benefit: Jotform’s drag-and-drop form builder allows users to create forms without coding, making it accessible to non-technical users.
• Feature: Users can easily add and configure various form fields, such as text inputs, checkboxes, and file uploads.

2. Conditional Logic

• Benefit: This feature enables more dynamic forms by allowing fields and sections to adjust based on user inputs, improving the form-filling experience.
• Feature: Conditional logic allows for the customization of form behavior, including showing or hiding fields, sending notifications, and directing users to specific pages based on their answers.

3. Payment Integration

• Benefit: Jotform supports payment processing within forms, offering a straightforward solution for collecting payments without additional tools.
• Feature: Integration with payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, and Square allows for secure and convenient transactions directly through forms.

4. Extensive Integrations

• Benefit: Jotform integrates with over external apps, which helps users automate processes and manage data more effectively.
• Feature: Integrations with tools like Google Sheets, Salesforce, and Mailchimp provide flexibility for users to sync data across platforms, streamlining workflows.

5. Pre-Built Templates

• Benefit: Jotform’s template library offers users a quick starting point for creating forms across different industries and use cases.
• Feature: With over hundred of templates, the platform covers a wide variety of form types, from contact forms to event registrations.

6. Data Security

• Benefit: Jotform is designed with a focus on security, making it suitable for industries where data protection is crucial.
• Feature: The platform complies with PCI DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA, offering data encryption and secure storage for sensitive information.

7. Mobile Compatibility

• Benefit: Jotform’s mobile app allows users to create, edit, and manage forms on mobile devices, ensuring flexibility for remote work.
• Feature: The app supports offline data collection and provides access to all form features, even when on the move.

8. Collaboration Features

• Benefit: Jotform supports team collaboration by enabling multiple users to work on forms and manage submissions, which can improve efficiency in group projects.
• Feature: Role-based permissions and shared access enhance coordination among team members.

9. Reporting and Analytics

• Benefit: Built-in analytics provide insights into form performance, helping users make informed decisions based on submission data.
• Feature: Jotform’s reporting tools allow for the creation of visual reports and provide data on response rates and trends.

10. Customization Options

• Benefit: Users can customize their forms to align with their branding, adding logos, colors, and other design elements.
• Feature: For advanced customization, users have the option to modify forms with CSS or JavaScript, enabling greater flexibility.

Integrations and Widgets

Top 5 Jotform Automations

1. Google Sheets Integration for Automatic Data Syncing
   • One of the most useful automations Jotform offers is the ability to integrate with Google Sheets. This integration allows form submissions to automatically populate a Google Sheet, reducing manual data entry and keeping records organized in real-time. It's ideal for businesses that rely on spreadsheets for tracking and analysis.
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2. Payment Processing with PayPal and Stripe
   • Jotform integrates with popular payment processors like PayPal and Stripe, automating financial transactions. When users submit forms involving payments, the integration handles everything from processing the payment to generating receipts, making it seamless for e-commerce and donation forms.
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3. CRM Integration for Customer Data Management
   • Automate your lead management by integrating Jotform with CRMs such as Salesforce or HubSpot. This automation ensures that customer data from form submissions is instantly fed into your CRM, streamlining your sales and marketing efforts by eliminating manual data entry.
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4. Email Notifications and Auto-Responses
   • Jotform’s automation capabilities extend to email notifications. You can set up automatic email alerts for form submissions, ensuring that both you and the respondent receive instant notifications or confirmations. This automation enhances communication without requiring additional steps.
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5. Custom Widgets for Tailored User Experiences
   • Jotform’s extensive widget library allows users to automate the customization of forms. Widgets like image sliders, file upload fields, and event management tools can be added with a few clicks, automating the creation of interactive and highly personalized forms. These widgets make it easy to tailor forms to specific needs without coding, further enhancing workflow efficiency.

These automations streamline data management, payment collection, and communication, making Jotform a robust tool for improving operational efficiency across different industries.

How to Embed Jotform on Teachfloor

To embed a Jotform into Teachfloor, start by creating or selecting your form. In the Jotform editor, go to the "Publish" tab and select "Embed". Copy the iFrame embed code provided.

Next, log in to your Teachfloor account, navigate to the curriculum page, and add a new embed element. Paste the iFrame embed code into the element and customize the appearance by setting it to full width or boxed. Save and publish the page.

The form will now be embedded directly into your course, enabling seamless data collection without redirecting learners away from your platform.

Jotform Pricing Plans

Jotform offers several pricing plans designed to meet different user needs, from individuals to businesses and organizations. Each plan provides access to a variety of features for creating and managing forms.

1. Starter Plan (Free)
   • Suitable for small projects or personal use.
   • Features: 5 forms, 100 monthly submissions, 100MB storage, and 1,000 form views.
   • Limitations: Includes Jotform branding, no HIPAA compliance, limited to 10 monthly payment submissions.
   • Price: Free
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2. Bronze Plan (€39/month, or €19.50/month with discount)
   • Offers more flexibility for small businesses.
   • Features: 25 forms, 1,000 monthly submissions, 1 GB storage, 10,000 form views, and 100 monthly payment submissions.
   • Additional: No Jotform branding.
   • Price: €19.50/month when billed annually.
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3. Silver Plan (€49/month, or €24.50/month with discount)
   • Suitable for businesses with higher submission and storage needs.
   • Features: 50 forms, 2,500 monthly submissions, 10 GB storage, 100,000 form views, and 250 monthly payment submissions.
   • Additional: No Jotform branding.
   • Price: €24.50/month when billed annually.
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4. Gold Plan (€59/month, or €29.50/month with discount)
   • Designed for organizations requiring advanced features and larger form capacity.
   • Features: 100 forms, 5,000 monthly submissions, 20 GB storage, 200,000 form views, and 500 monthly payment submissions.
   • Additional: HIPAA compliance and no Jotform branding.
   • Price: €29.50/month when billed annually.

Additional Information

• Nonprofit and Education Discounts: Eligible organizations receive a 50% discount.
• Cancel Anytime: Flexible subscription options with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

These plans provide a range of features that can be tailored to meet different form-building needs and scales.

5 Best Jotform Alternatives

If you're considering alternatives to Jotform, several platforms offer similar form-building capabilities with unique features tailored to different needs. Here are five popular alternatives:

1. Google Forms
   • Best for: Simple, no-cost form creation within the Google Workspace ecosystem.
   • Features: Free to use, integrates with Google Sheets, easy to share and collaborate on forms. Limited customization options and lacks advanced features like conditional logic or payment integration.
   • Price: Free
2. Typeform
   • Best for: Creating visually appealing and interactive forms.
   • Features: Engaging, user-friendly design with a focus on form aesthetics. Supports conditional logic, file uploads, and payment collection. However, it comes with higher pricing and limits on responses in the free version.
   • Price: Free plan with limitations; paid plans start at €25/month.
3. Wufoo
   • Best for: Small to medium-sized businesses needing customizable forms.
   • Features: Drag-and-drop form builder with customizable templates, payment integration, and robust reporting features. Wufoo also offers form analytics, but its interface may feel outdated compared to more modern tools.
   • Price: Free plan available with limited features; paid plans start at $14.08/month.
4. SurveyMonkey
   • Best for: Collecting survey responses with detailed analytics.
   • Features: A well-known platform for creating and distributing surveys. It offers a wide range of question types, real-time analytics, and reporting. However, customization options are somewhat restricted, and certain advanced features are only accessible in the higher-tier plans.
   • Price: Free plan with limited responses; paid plans start at €34/month.
5. Formstack
   • Best for: Businesses that need advanced workflow automation and integrations.
   • Features: Focuses on workflow automation with powerful integration options, including payment processing and electronic signatures. It also offers HIPAA compliance, making it suitable for healthcare and other industries handling sensitive data. The interface can be more complex for beginners.
   • Price: Paid plans start at $50/month.

Each alternative has its strengths, depending on your specific needs—whether it's ease of use, customization, or advanced integrations. Exploring these platforms will help you find the best solution for your form-building requirements.

Summary

In conclusion, Jotform provides a versatile and user-friendly solution for creating and managing online forms, making it a valuable tool for businesses, educators, and organizations of all sizes.

Its extensive customization options, integration capabilities, and security features allow users to streamline their data collection processes efficiently. Whether you need a simple form or a more complex solution, Jotform offers the tools necessary to meet a variety of needs, all without requiring any coding expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up for Jotform?

To sign up for Jotform, you can create an account using your email, or utilize your Google, Facebook, or Apple ID for quick registration. This provides a convenient way to access the platform.

What integrations does Jotform offer?

Jotform offers integrations with over 1,000 third-party applications, such as Google Sheets, PayPal, and Zapier, significantly enhancing its functionality and versatility.

Is Jotform secure for collecting sensitive data?

Jotform is secure for collecting sensitive data as it complies with PCI DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA, and utilizes 256-bit SSL encryption along with RSA 2048 encryption to protect your information.

What are the pricing options for Jotform?

Jotform offers a free plan with limited features, allowing up to five forms and 100MB of storage, while paid plans start at $39 per month.

How customizable are Jotform's templates?

Jotform's templates are highly customizable, with over 10,000 pre-built options that can be tailored to fit your branding. Additionally, advanced users can enhance their forms by incorporating CSS and JavaScript for further personalization.