Your WordPress form comes with a range of form fields, but are you really familiar with some of the most important and frequently used ones?
In today’s article, we’ve put together a list of 10 frequently used WordPress form fields plus 7 bonus fields you might want to use on your forms. All for free, using the Ninja Forms core plugin. Get to know them like you would your old friends, so you can be absolutely certain about how to use them across all your forms. Let’s explore them together!
Table of contents
- Single Line Text Field
- Single Checkbox Field
- Radio List Field (Radio Button)
- Dropdown Select Field
- HTML Field
- Submit Button Field
- Select Image Field
- Paragraph Text Field
- Multi-Select Field
- Checkbox List Field
- Date/Time Field
- Confirm Field
- Phone Field
- Hidden Field
- Number Field
- Star Rating Field
- Repeater Field
1. Single Line Text Field
A Single Line Text field is a true star in the world of WordPress forms. Although it may seem like a basic textbox at first, the potential it unlocks for form-building can genuinely surprise you!
In our blog post 5 Ways to Use a Single Line Text Field in WordPress we uncover the myriad possibilities you might not have considered before. Discover how to make a single-line WordPress form, apply input masks to refine input for this field, create single-use coupon codes, and even seamlessly pass data between WordPress forms!
2. Single Checkbox Field
The Single Checkbox field is your go-to choice for seeking confirmation or denial in response to queries on your form. You’ve likely encountered it on sign-up forms or agreement forms, where users must affirm privacy policies or terms and conditions. This field is particularly prevalent in European countries, ensuring GDPR compliance in their sign-up processes.
Eager to learn more about this simple yet powerful field? Take a look at How to Use a Single Checkbox Field in WordPress and learn how to add a single checkbox to your form. As a bonus, we will show you a creative way to leverage it to enhance the user-friendliness of your forms.
3. Radio List Field
Ah, the humble Radio Button field. Whether you are creating a survey, sign-up, or feedback forms, this form field is a true sidekick you can always count on in the world of online forms! It’s the epitome of simplicity, allowing you to choose a single option from a set of choices, guaranteeing clear responses without any form-filling fuss.
Since the radio list field is essential for your WordPress form, make sure to check the article How to Add a Radio Button in WordPress. You’ll learn the best practices for using a radio list field including the tips on when to use it and how to customize it.
4. Dropdown Select Field
The Dropdown list field, also known as the select field or select box field is a space-efficient form element that allows users to select one option from a list. It simplifies the user experience by condensing multiple choices into a compact dropdown menu. Dropdown fields are commonly used in forms to streamline selections with a range of options such as categories, locations, or dates.
Check out our tutorial Dropdown Select Field in WordPress Forms (Quick Guide) to discover the most common ways to use the dropdown select field. You’ll also learn how to create a conditional dropdown list or create an international phone country code field.
5. HTML Field
Have you ever found yourself struggling to create a WordPress form with a personal touch? It can be frustrating when you’re going through the form fields and can’t find a way to make it unique. Fortunately, Ninja Forms offers a versatile solution in the form of an HTML field, which is accessible even to free users.
The HTML field provides the flexibility you’ve been searching for. Explore the 5 Ways to Use an HTML Field in Your WordPress Form tutorial and learn how you can add extra content to your WordPress form!
6. Submit Button Field
You can’t lack the Submit Button field in your WordPress form. This form field does not only make sure your form gets submitted. It also plays a very important role in conversion rate optimization, where customization becomes a powerful tool for improving your online form’s performance, influencing the last step of the user’s journey on your form.
In our in-depth tutorial How to Add a Call-To-Action Button in WordPress, we discuss the best practices for effective CTA buttons to help you get better conversion rates. You’ll also learn how to add a submit button to your WordPress form, customize your CTA button, choose a different shape, a color, or use the right action-packed text for your button.
7. Select Image Field
Want to display images as options rather than traditional text? The Select Image field from Ninja Forms offers a more engaging and user-friendly experience for your audience. This is particularly effective when dealing with product selections, categorizations, or any scenario where images convey information more effectively than text alone.
In our guide Add Image Choices in WordPress Forms, you’ll learn all about the Select Image field including how to add it to your forms, when to use it, and how to customize it to create a more enjoyable and visually captivating experience.
8. Paragraph Text Field
The Paragraph Text field is the most commonly used form field in contact forms. This is a field known as a “Message” field.
In our tutorial How to Add a Paragraph Text Field in WordPress we will show you how to add a Paragraph Text field in your contact form, use a rich text editor, and limit user’s input into the Paragraph Text field.
9. Multi-Select Field
Don’t mix up the Multi-Select dropdown field with the Select Dropdown – they might sound alike but they have distinct uses. While the Select Dropdown lets you choose just one option on your form, the Multi-Select allows you to pick multiple options at once. This is super handy for forms where you need to collect a bunch of data without taking up too much screen space.
If you want to learn more about multi-select or multi-list field, jump into our tutorial How to Add a Multi-Select Dropdown Field in WordPress! We’ll share some tips on the best ways to make the most of this field including the customization with the Layout & Styles add-on.
10. Checkbox List Field
Checkbox List or Checklist field is a group of tickable square boxes that let users pick one or more options from your list. You should use this type of field if you have a small to medium number of list options that you want to show all at once and using a dropdown is not suitable.
In our guide How to Add a Checkbox List in WordPress, we will show you how to easily create a Checkbox List and give you some examples of when to use this field on your form. Additionally, we’ll share a neat trick to arrange Checklist options in a two-column layout, and with the conditional logic functionality, you can discover how to control the number of checkboxes users can select if they wish to set a limit.
That was 10 WordPress form fields! But let’s look at another 7 fields from Ninja Forms you can also add for free to your forms.
11. Date/Time Field
Searching for a way to add a date time picker calendar to your WordPress forms? With the Ninja Forms’ Date/Time field, users will be able to choose the date, time, or both within your WordPress form. By pairing this form field with our scheduling plugin, you can even transform your WordPress website into a fully functional booking system!
Explore our blog post How to Create a Date Time Picker Field in WordPress and learn how to add a Date/Time field to your form, when to use it, and how to make an appointment booking form.
12. Confirm Field
Are you looking for an easy way to verify a form field? The Confirm field can help you eliminate frustration caused by incorrect email addresses, mistyped phone numbers, and more.
See how you can use the confirm field in action and verify an email address in our tutorial Verify an Email Address with a Confirm Field in WordPress.
13. Phone Field
Another edition to the free fields offered by our core plugin. The Phone field allows you to capture a user’s phone number which is ideal for contact forms, order forms, newsletter forms, or user registration forms.
Visit our tutorial How to Add a Phone Field in WordPress and learn how to add a phone to your form, prevent duplicate phone numbers on your form, or format a phone number field with a custom input mask.
14. Hidden Field
A field that isn’t visible to your users but still collects data on your form? That’s a hidden field. Use it to store default values, static values, or calculations, and to add notes to already completed submissions. This smart, invisible field can accomplish all that and more.
Check our blog post What is a Hidden Field in WordPress Forms? And learn some practical examples for your online form.
15. Number Field
The Number field is commonly used in forms where users need to provide numerical data such as quantities, prices, and other numerical values. Combined with calculations, you can create quote forms or accept payments in WordPress using payment integrations.
Read our tutorial Adding a Number Field in WordPress: A Range Slider Alternative and find out how to add a Number field to your form and how to use it with our free Calculations feature.
16. Star Rating Field
Are you searching for a field that provides instant visual feedback and is familiar to most users? The Star Rating field is the ideal choice. It is easy to use and understand because it helps users rate something quickly without needing detailed instructions.
Learn how to integrate the Star Rating field into your form with our tutorial How to Add a Star Rating Field in WordPress. You’ll discover when to use a Star Rating field in your forms and how to redirect users to another page based on the number of stars.
17. Repeater Field
If you need to group fields in a form and let users add more of those groups, the Repeater field is exactly what you need.
In our tutorial Add a Repeater Field in WordPress we explain what a repeatable fieldset is and how to add it to your form. Additionally, we will show you practical ways to use this form field on your forms and how to customize it. Take advantage of this time-saving field and create a better experience for your website visitors!
You’ve now mastered the top frequently used form fields. Way to go!
Congratulations! You’ve just wrapped up an essential exploration of the most popular WordPress form fields. Now, armed with this knowledge, you’re well-prepared with the important form basics that many users overlook. That’s fantastic!
Let’s maintain the momentum of your form-building journey by encouraging you to discover the 7 Best Practices for WordPress Contact Forms. This guide provides practical tips that are easy-to-implement, aiming to help you create forms that enhance user engagement and boost conversion rates.
New to Ninja Forms? Download our core plugin, and enjoy free features every Ninja Forms user loves!
