Unlock the Power of Forms: Which One Is Right for You?
Once you've determined that designing an interactive form is necessary it comes, the next crucial decision to make is whether to opt for a PDF form or a web-based form. Both options offer unique advantages, and the choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. In this article, we will evaluate the key aspects of each form type to help you make an informed decision on which form is right for you.
Ease of build:
Creating both PDF and web-based forms is a straightforward process if you have every used WYSIWIG (What you see is what you get) tools. However, if you're looking to design visually appealing forms with minimal adjustments, PDFs often have an advantage due to their consistent layout. Web-based forms, on the other hand, allow you to be creative by simply dragging and dropping your desired fields into our easy-to-use form builder. Within the form builder, you have the ability to customize and edit forms as needed allowing you to make your forms as basic or advanced as you like.
Form Component Options:
In terms of available form components, it's essential to recognize that PDF forms offer a selection of a lesser set of form elements than a Web form. These include: text fields, emails, and numeric input. In contrast, web-based forms present a wider array of options. These options include layout components, which assist in organizing your form and creating visually appealing sections. Additionally, web-based forms introduce the valuable data grid component, allowing you to capture multiple lines of data within a single field.
Reporting:
Both PDF and web-based forms come equipped with robust reporting capabilities, ensuring that you can efficiently gather and analyze the data collected with ease.
WEB-FORMS
| PROS | CONS |
| Dynamic and interactive | Design may require more effort |
| Real-time data validation | Form can only be accessed within Casebook |
| Easy updates and version control | May require ongoing maintenance |
PDF FORMS
| PROS | CONS |
| Visually consistent design | Limited interactivity |
| Easy to share and print | Data entry can be time-consuming |
| Suitable for forms intended for printing | Limited ability to automate data entry |
So which one should you choose?
The decision of whether to use a PDF form or a web-based form ultimately rests on your comfort level with form building and your specific requirements. If you are already familiar with our form builder, web-based forms offer powerful configuration and data collection options that may suit your needs. On the other hand, if you are just starting to explore form building and have an existing PDF ready for use, opting for a PDF form could be the most efficient route.
Neither choice is inherently better than the other. Your choice should be based on your familiarity with the form builder and the specific project requirements you need to fulfill. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option and select the one that aligns best with your objectives.