Forms

A form used in an automated workflow is a powerful tool that collects information from users and seamlessly triggers processes based on their input. Our built-in forms are fully integrated into the workflow system, meaning every submission can automatically start or advance a task without manual intervention. Its design balances ease of use with flexible, robust functionality.

Basic information about forms in Mation

• A form must be part of a flow to function.
• Submitting a form triggers a flow to perform a specific action.
• Forms can wait for a flow to complete before triggering the next action.
• There is an option to prefill values into form fields for convenience.
• You may also include hidden fields by adding tokens to the URL.
• Use Redirect URLs to control user navigation during flow execution.
• Forms include security features, they cannot be accessed simply by copying the link and must be embedded within a flow.

Components and field types

The form supports a variety of field types to cover different data needs:

• String (default): A single-line text field for names, titles, or short input.
• Checkbox: Lets users select one or multiple options by checking boxes.
• Dropdown: Provides a compact list from which users select a single option.
• Multiline: A larger text area for longer answers, such as comments or descriptions.
• Date: Allows users to pick a specific date from a calendar interface.
• Time: Lets users specify a time value.
• Date & time: Combines both date and time input in one field.

Field options: Required and readonly

Each field type includes two checkbox options:

• Required: Marking a field as required ensures users cannot submit the form without providing that information. This helps maintain data completeness and accuracy.
• Readonly: This option makes the field visible but not editable, ideal for displaying information that shouldn’t be changed by users but still needs to be visible during the process.

Advanced validation for string fields

The String field type offers an additional Validation Format dropdown to help maintain data quality by checking input format. You can choose from preset validation options such as:

• Email: Ensures the input looks like a valid email address.
• URL: Checks if the input matches a web address format.
• Phone number: Validates the input as a phone number.
• Number: Allows only numeric input.
• Letters and numbers Only: Restricts input to alphanumeric characters.
• Custom patterns (Regex): Enables advanced users to define their own validation rules using regular expressions.
• Leave it unvalidated if no specific format is required.

Advanced features

• Pre-filled fields: Option to prefill fields via tokens added to the URL.
• Hidden fields: Option to add tokens to URLs, e.g. for advertisement tracking.
• Custom validation messages: Add a custom validation message.
• Custom success messages: Add a custom success message.
• Redirect after submit: Add a Redirect URL to redirect users after form submission.
• Self-hosted: Option to host Mation yourself.
• White label: Option to adapt Mation forms to your CI.

Field configuration options

• Field labels: Option to add individual field names.
• Required fields: Asterisk marked.
• Readonly fields: Date, Time, and Date & Time.
• Placeholder text: Option to add individual placeholder text.
• Field descriptions: Option to add individual field descriptions.

Deployment and sharing

• Cloud-hosted: Available
• Self-hosted: Available
• Public URLs: Available
• White-label: Available

How it works in Mation

When users fill out the form, the data they enter feeds directly into the automated workflow. For example, a form submission can start an approval process, trigger notifications, update records, or generate reports – all without manual steps. This integration accelerates business processes, reduces errors, and improves consistency.

Summary

This form is a flexible, user-friendly interface that collects and validates data efficiently. With various field types and validation options, it fits a wide range of scenarios, from simple surveys to complex task management. Its deep integration into automated workflows ensures data flows smoothly through your processes, making your operations faster and more reliable.

Create a form

Learn how to easily create a form.