* Advanced Forms
If you have a good form processing script, you will have the option to create highly technical forms with additional options:
Multi-page Forms
Provides you with the ability to create a form that spans more than one page. The data you specify will be collected on the first form page and will be transferred to the second page. You can have as many pages as you need and the data will continue to be passed through each page until the final submission. Placeholders are used within each form page to collect and pass the data.
Customized Confirmation Page
Enables you to create a customized confirmation page that may contain your visitor's name and any other information you've collected. In addition, you can even include the date, time and your visitor's IP address (Internet Provider).
Printable Confirmation Page
Enables you to provide your customers with a printable confirmation page for data such as order receipts.
Templates
Provides you with the ability to completely customize the information your form processes. You can use a template to specify how your data will be displayed when it is sent to your email address, and even use a template to set up a database in a specific format.
Database
Enables you to collect your form's data and stores it within a database.
The possibilities are endless. Keep in mind, most form processing scripts will not provide you with these abilities.
The best form I have found is called, Master Form. This form will enable you to have the results emailed to you or to a specified address, can write your information to a database file and even have a personalized thank you page. In addition, you can even have multi-page forms with no limit on the number of pages. This script costs $35 and can be found here:
http://www.web-source.net/cgi-bin/web/jump.cgi?ID=762
You can find a free script with similar features here:
http://cgi.tj/scripts/alienform/
In the final part of this series, we will be focusing on some great tips and tricks you can use to spice up your forms such as:
Creating a Default Form Option
Customizing Your Input Boxes
Adding Color to Your Input Boxes
Disappearing Form Text
Flashing Cursor in Form on Load
Tabbing Through Forms
Customizing Form Colors
Make sure you don't miss the final lesson in this powerful series.
About The Author
Shelley Lowery is the author of the highly acclaimed ebook series, Web Design Mastery -- an in-depth guide to professional web design that is rapidly becoming known as the "Bible" for professional web design. http://www.webdesignmastery.com
