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Form Builder - Table Block

Purpose Statement

The Table Block in Form Builder allows users to create structured, tabular data collection sections within forms. This feature enables organized presentation of related information in rows and columns, improving data entry efficiency and form readability across Inspections, Permits, Invoicing and Fire Investigation modules.

Background Information

The Table Block is a versatile form element that provides structured data organization within forms. It's particularly useful for collecting related sets of information that benefit from tabular presentation, such as equipment inventories, inspection checklists, or permit details. Tables can be configured with or without headings and support dynamic data fields for automated population of information.

This feature is available across multiple modules including Inspections, Permits, Invoicing and Fire Investigation, ensuring consistent form-building capabilities throughout the platform.

Required Permissions

To create or edit forms with Table Blocks, users must have:

  • Form Builder access permissions
  • Edit permissions for the specific module (Inspections, Permits, Invoicing or Fire Investigation)
  • Form creation/modification rights within their assigned role

Video


Step-by-Step Guide




1.  Create a new form or select edit to edit an existing form.






2. Mouse over in the left margin at the current block and select the + sign to add a Table Block under the current Block.





3.  Select Table from the dropdown menu.






4. You will have a table with two rows and two columns.
  1. Add a row by selecting "+" at the bottom left of the table or add a row by selecting the "+" at the upper right.





5. Each column and row will have a "Tune" button:
  1. Mouse over and select to add row above, add row below or select delete row twice to delete a row.
  2. Mouse over and select to add column to left, add column to right, or select delete column twice to delete a column.






6. Select Tune to make your Table With Headings or Without Headings, add data fields (see next step), move up and down, or delete (select the X 2 times).






7. Add text to Headings as needed.






8.  To add data fields - Step #1:
  1. Place your cursed in the Table then select tune and then add data field.
  2. NOTE: If you add multiple data fields into a cell, make sure you have a space between them.
  3. NOTE: Standard punctuation marks can be added immediately after a data field.




9. To add data fields - Step #2:
  1. Select the data field from the drop down list.





10. Select text for formatting options available with Text Tools.





11. Example of a Form with a Table printed.




Best Practices

  • Plan Your Structure: Design your table layout before building to minimize restructuring
  • Use Clear Headers: When using headings, make them descriptive and concise
  • Space Data Fields Properly: Always include spaces between multiple data fields in the same cell
  • Test Form Output: Preview your form to ensure table displays correctly in print format
  • Consider Mobile View: Keep tables reasonably sized for mobile device compatibility
  • Group Related Information: Use tables for logically related data sets rather than disparate information

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can't I delete a row or column? A: The delete function requires two clicks for confirmation. Select delete twice to complete the action.

Q: My data fields appear run together in the cell. What's wrong? A: Ensure you include spaces between multiple data fields when adding them to the same cell.

Q: Can I change a table from "With Headings" to "Without Headings" after creation? A: Yes, use the Tune button at the table level to toggle between heading options.

Q: The table doesn't print correctly. How do I fix this? A: Preview your form in print mode and adjust column widths and content to ensure proper formatting.

Q: Can I copy and paste table content from other applications? A: It's recommended to build tables using the Form Builder tools rather than pasting external content to maintain formatting consistency.