Using online forms

You use online forms to do things like apply for services, pay bills, or shop online. You can even use them to order dinner!

What is an online form?

An online form is just like a traditional form that you can complete using a computer, instead of a pen. Many government agencies, banks, shops, and services use online forms. Online forms have many advantages, including:

  • answering questions with a click of a mouse
  • being able to complete and submit a form at any time of the day or night
  • not needing to wait for the post or pay postage to send in a form
  • quick response times – most services will respond within seconds to confirm they have received your form.
An illustration of a pizza order form on a laptop computer.

Almost all forms work the same way, and they all use the same types of elements including:

  • text boxes – called text fields – where you can type in information unique to you, such as your name, email address, or comments and feedback
  • radio buttons, checkboxes and drop-down lists that you can click on to choose from a fixed range of options.

Filling in your details

You may have to complete an online registration form to use a website or service. Here’s what you can expect:

  • type in the requested information in the text boxes
  • any box marked with an asterisk (*) is compulsory
  • you will usually have to think of a password. Choose one memorable to you but hard for others to guess. A mix of letters, some uppercase, and numbers will be more secure
  • when you type in a password, it will usually be replaced on the screen with asterisks so no one can see what it is
  • sometimes, when you start typing in a field, the computer might suggest how to complete it. This is called auto complete. Make sure it’s what you want before you accept it
  • some forms have a time limit to complete them. Make sure you have anything you need to hand
  • some forms let you upload a document, such as a CV or medical receipt. Follow the instructions in the form.

Multiple choices

Online forms let you type text into fields and select options from several different kinds of lists. These might include:

  • drop-down lists, where you choose one item from a longer list of options, such as year of birth
  • list boxes where you can choose more than one option from a longer list of options
  • radio buttons where you can select only one from a shorter list of two or more options
  • checkboxes where you can tick more than one option from a list of two or more options.

What happens if you click the wrong item in a list? You can correct online forms before you submit them:

  • if it was in a drop-down list or an option with radio buttons, click the right item to correct it
  • if it was a checkbox, then you need to click the wrong item to undo it, and then click the correct item.

How to correct a mistake

Many online forms check the entries as you submit them:

  • if you have left out a required field (marked with an asterisk), the form will usually highlight the error and ask you to complete it before it will let you submit your form
  • if you need to return to the previous page of a form, look for the Back button on the form or web page, rather than using your browser's back arrow.

Many forms help you avoid making a mistake in the first place. Some forms include a search feature which can do things such as look up your postcode or address from the information you’ve typed. Don’t forget to click the Submit button when you’ve finished the form.