Creating a Simple Contact Form with RSForm! Pro

Introduction

Forms are an essential part of any website. Whether it’s a contact form, login and registration form, or any other type of data submission form, they provide a key way for users to interact with your site. This guide walks you through the steps of creating and publishing a straightforward contact form in Joomla using RSForm! Pro. With this powerful extension, you’ll enrich your website with user-friendly, functional forms that serve your specific needs. By the end of this guide, you’ll learn how to:

  • Choose the right method for building a form
  • Install RSForm! Pro
  • Create and customize a form
  • Add form fields and properties
  • Preview and test your form
  • Publish your form on the website or embed it into an existing page

Have you considered whether to upgrade your website to Joomla 4 or 5, or even migrate to a different CMS? We’re here to help you evaluate your options—contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll guide you!

Choosing the Right Form Building Method

One of Joomla’s strengths lies in its modular and customizable nature. With an array of extensions available, you can enhance your website’s functionality in numerous ways. When it comes to building forms, Joomla offers several approaches. For this tutorial, we’re focusing on RSForm! Pro, an excellent extension for creating versatile forms that meet modern website standards.

Installing RSForm! Pro

Getting started with RSForm! Pro is simple and quick. First, download the extension, then follow these installation steps:

  1. Go to your Joomla Administrator Panel.
  2. Navigate to Extensions -> Manage -> Install.
  3. Upload the RSForm! Pro package you downloaded earlier.
  4. Hit “Install” and wait for the process to complete in just a few moments.

If you encounter any hiccups during the installation, refer to our guide on How to Find and Install a Joomla Extension.

Creating Your Form with RSForm! Pro

With RSForm! Pro installed, the fun begins! To create your first form:

  1. Log in to the Joomla Administrator section.
  2. Navigate to Components -> RSForm! Pro.
  3. Click on Manage Forms to see a list of forms on your site. You’ll notice example forms already listed.
  4. Click on the large green “New” button to start creating your own form.

You’ll land on a screen with many options. While it might appear overwhelming at first, you’ll soon see that it’s straightforward and easy to use.

Adding Fields and Configuring Form Properties

Form Fields

The customization of your form begins with Form Fields. Here, you’ll select and configure the elements that users see and interact with on your form. RSForm! Pro offers a wide range of field types, including:

  • Textboxes
  • Dropdowns
  • Checkboxes
  • Radio buttons
  • Date pickers
  • Submit buttons

To add your fields:

  1. Start in the Form Fields tab.
  2. Click “Free Text” to insert an introductory text field and enter a name for your field.
  3. Add more function-specific fields, such as radio button groups and checkboxes, to enhance interactivity.

Form Properties

The Form Properties tab allows you to manage essential backend and behavior settings for your form, such as:

  • Naming your form
  • Configuring success messages
  • Adding custom CSS classes for design enhancements
  • Setting other advanced properties

Take a moment to tweak the functionality to match your objectives.

Previewing Your Form

Your form is now taking shape! Click the Preview button to open a new browser window displaying a live preview of how your form will look and function. This step ensures everything is working correctly and allows you to make any adjustments before going live.

Publishing Your Form on Your Website

Publishing your form couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to display your form on your site:

  1. Navigate to the Menus section in Joomla’s administrator panel.
  2. Create a New Menu Item.
  3. Choose the “Form” menu item type.
  4. Select your form from the list, give it a title and alias, and click “Save.”

That’s it—your form is now visible to your website visitors!

Embedding Your Form Within an Existing Page

Want to embed your form into a specific article or webpage instead of creating a dedicated menu item? RSForm! Pro makes that simple too:

  1. Download the RSForm! Pro Content Plugin from RSJoomla.
  2. Install and enable the plugin through your Joomla Administrator Panel (check our detailed guide on plugin installation if needed).
  3. Locate your form’s unique ID in RSForm! Pro.
  4. Add the shortcode {rsform id [Your Form ID]} to any article or content block where you’d like the form to appear.

Refresh your page to see the form seamlessly embedded in your content.

Summary

Creating forms in Joomla with RSForm! Pro is an intuitive, flexible process that caters to both beginners and experienced users. With features like drag-and-drop fields, a variety of input types, and robust form property settings, RSForm! Pro empowers website owners to build forms tailored to their exact needs.

Still running into challenges or want expert guidance? We’ve got you covered! Contact us for specialized assistance in creating or optimizing your Joomla forms. Your website’s functionality matters—make it effortless for users to connect with you today!