Forms workflow
Use a form when someone needs to submit data into the workbook but should not edit the workbook directly.
Answer First
Use a form when someone needs to submit data into the workbook but should not edit the workbook directly.
Author: WorkbookWise Editorial Team
Review date: 2026-10-07
Start from a saved workbook with clear columns.
Choose only the fields users should submit.
Use dropdowns for values that should stay consistent.
Review responses before treating them as final operational data.
| Field | Shown on Form | Required | Saved To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Name | Yes | Yes | Workbook row |
| Internal ID | No | - | Hidden field |
| Attachment | Yes | Optional | Files |
Shown on Form
Separates public intake fields from internal workbook fields.
Hide IDs, formulas and review-only columns.
Required
Keeps important submissions complete enough for review.
Do not make optional context mandatory if it slows users down.
Saved To
Maps each answer back to a workbook row or file attachment.
Confirm the destination column before publishing the form.
A workbook may have internal IDs, formulas and review columns. Public forms should show only the fields needed for the person submitting the data, while the workbook keeps the hidden structure needed for review, formulas, status changes and reporting.
If users only need to view filtered data, use Share Data instead. If the team needs daily work screens with owners and statuses, use Apps. A form is best when the job is controlled intake: one submission at a time, then review by someone responsible for the workbook.
Do not collect sensitive data in public links unless your privacy wording, access rules and retention policy are ready. Forms reduce workbook exposure, but they still collect real business or personal data that needs careful handling.
Attendance, stock and rent records often need contributions from people who should not edit the main workbook.
WorkbookWise keeps forms connected to workbook structure so intake does not become another disconnected spreadsheet.
The guide favors fewer fields because clean submissions are easier to validate than broad forms with many optional columns.
The same form pattern supports staff, vendor and customer inputs when the reviewer owns final row approval.
Continue the Cluster
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Related Product Paths
That is the WorkbookWise publishing standard: useful Excel output first, then Apps, Forms, Share Data and document workflows only when they improve the day-to-day job.