Triggers > Launch via a kick-off form
Build effective forms
Tallyfy integrates forms directly with the workflow steps that follow. Unlike standalone form tools, Tallyfy connects data collection to the actual work - forms trigger trackable processes automatically.
With standalone form tools, users wonder what happens after they click submit. Tallyfy connects submission directly to a trackable workflow:
- Submit and track: Form submission starts the first step of a visible, trackable workflow.
- Process context built in: Forms start processes that already have defined action steps.
- Full visibility: Submitters can see status updates, approvals, and downstream task progress after submission.
Tallyfy calls these “kick-off forms” because they start processes, not just collect data.
Public forms can cause problems when submitters use fake or wrong email addresses:
- Email verification: Tallyfy’s public kick-off forms verify email addresses to confirm submitters are genuine.
- Secure access links: Submitters get unique links via email to access and finish forms.
- Ongoing tracking: Verified submitters can track their submission status later.
- Reduced spam: Verification cuts down on fake entries.
- Short text: For names, references, or short answers (max 200 characters).
- Long text: For detailed descriptions or notes (max 6,000 characters).
- Dropdown: For selecting one option from a predefined list.
- Radio buttons: For choosing one option when only a few choices are available.
- Checklist: For selecting multiple items or verifying steps.
- Date: For capturing specific dates (e.g., deadlines, start dates).
- File upload: For collecting documents or images.
- Table: For structured data that repeats (like line items).
- Assignee picker: For letting the submitter choose who should do a later task.
Each field type supports validation options to make sure data is complete and correctly formatted.
Instead of one long form, Tallyfy lets you spread fields across multiple steps:
- Progressive collection: Gather information step by step.
- Real-time saving: Entries save as they’re typed, reducing lost work.
- Automated reminders: Tallyfy sends reminders for incomplete steps.
- Better completion rates: Shorter forms at each stage mean more finished submissions.
Not all questions apply to everyone. Tallyfy’s “if-this-then-that” automation rules let forms adapt:
- Conditional visibility: Show or hide steps based on previous answers.
- Targeted questions: Only ask what’s relevant to each situation.
- Less abandonment: Focused forms lead to higher completion rates.
Learn more about conditional branching.
- Input validation: Check formats for emails, numbers, dates, and more.
- Required fields: Make sure critical information isn’t skipped.
- Character limits: Set minimum and maximum lengths for text fields.
- Error messages: Guide users to fix mistakes before submitting.
See validation options per field type for details.
Tallyfy lets you add guidance text to any form field:
- Field guidance: Add explanatory text below a field label.
- Examples and tips: Show formatting hints or sample answers.
- Clear labeling: Use descriptive labels so users know what’s expected.
- Consistent style: Keep help text formatting the same across your forms.
Unlike many form tools, Tallyfy has communication built-in:
- Contextual comments: Users can ask questions directly on the form or task.
- @mentions: Tag specific team members to get their attention.
- Comment history: Keep a record of discussions for future reference.
- Notification system: Alert people when comments need attention.
- Webhooks: Send form data automatically to other systems.
- API connections: Connect Tallyfy to other business software.
- Document generation: Auto-fill document templates with form data.
- Data exports: Get form data into spreadsheets or other formats.
- Assignee management: Form starters can assign steps to the right team members.
- Guest access: Include external people securely.
- Task reassignment: Reassign tasks when someone isn’t available.
- Group assignments: Assign steps to entire teams.
- Parallel completion: Different parts of a process can be done at the same time.
Tallyfy can create documents automatically from form submissions. For example, a form collects client details, project scope, and pricing - then automatically generates a contract PDF.
- Template-based documents: Fill contracts, letters, or proposals with form data.
- Dynamic content: Documents change based on form answers.
- Formatted output: Generate branded PDFs or other formats.
- Approval steps: Include review and sign-off in the document workflow.
- Mobile-friendly: Forms work on phones and tablets.
- Progress indicators: Show progress in multi-step forms.
- Default values: Pre-fill fields with common answers. See setting default content for form fields.
- Clear next steps: Tell users what happens after submission.
- Testing: Always test forms with real users before a wide release.
How To > Complex approval workflows
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