Glossary

Terms used across the Form Author Guide. Link here when you introduce jargon on another page.

Actions

Behaviors that run when something happens on the form, often when a user clicks a Button. Configure on the Actions tab.

Related: Actions basics

Auto Validate

Setting on the Rules tab that validates a field as the user interacts with it.

Related: Validation basics

Canvas

The main center area where you build the form in Edit mode.

Related: The Designer workspace

Component

A building block you add from the Components tab, such as a text field, button, or container.

Related: Add components from the palette

Component library

The UI kit for controls (for example Material UI or RSuite), chosen in the header Component library dropdown.

Related: Common field types

Components tab

Left panel tab listing draggable controls you add to the form.

Related: Left panel

Container

A layout component that groups other components (stack, box, grid).

Related: Form structure and containers

Data key

The name used for a field’s value in form data. It can differ from the field’s Key. Multiple components can use the same data key to share a value. If Data key is empty, a field uses its Key.

Related: What is form data?

Edit mode

Design mode: palette, properties, and drag-and-drop are available. Header shows Preview to switch away.

Related: Preview and Edit

Event

An occurrence, such as a click or value change, that can trigger Actions.

Related: Events and actions concept

Form data

The collection of keys and values your form holds when users fill it in.

Related: What is form data?

Key (field name)

A unique name that identifies a component in the form. For fields, it is also used in form data unless you set a separate Data key.

Related: Name fields for data capture

Preset

A reusable group of components created from a canvas selection with the preset button on the floating toolbar. Add the saved group from Components; its copied components can then be edited in the form.

Related: Preset components

Preview

A mode that lets authors interact with the form from a user’s perspective. The header button toggles Preview and Edit.

Related: Preview your first form

Properties panel

Right-hand panel with Main, Style, Actions, and Rules for the selected component.

Related: Right panel

Property

A setting for the selected component, edited on the right in Main, Style, Actions, or Rules.

Related: Use the right properties panel

Rules

Validation settings for the selected field, including Add a validation rule.

Related: Add validation on your first form

Screen

The root level of your form design in Tree, usually keyed screen1.

Related: Use the left panel tabs

Template

A saved form used inside another form. For example, Modal template selects the saved form displayed inside a modal.

Related: Nested components (developers)

Tree

The left-panel tab that lists components in their hierarchy. Use Expand all to find nested fields.

Related: Use the component tree

Validation

Checks whether user input meets your requirements before submission.

Related: Validation basics