Creating a Data Form
To create a new Data Form in NileDesk, go to your home screen and click Create New. In the dialog, choose Data Form as the template type. Enter a unique Name for the form.
Once named, the Form Designer opens. Data Forms are designed for capturing structured records one at a time using a form-based interface, unlike Datasets which use a sheet-style grid. They support field-level validation, conditional logic, and form events for more robust data entry.
Form Designer
In the Data Form Designer, drag and drop fields as needed. Fields must be placed inside a Field Section. Unlike Process Flows or Boards, Data Forms do not support Table Sections.
Sections can hold multiple fields, and you can arrange them to match your data entry workflow. For mobile layouts, resize fields by hovering and using the + or – buttons. Each field supports validations, conditional visibility, and dynamic scripting expressions for a context-aware experience.
Form Settings
- Outlined Fields – toggle field borders on/off for a cleaner UI.
- Adjust Fields – automatically shift layout when fields are hidden dynamically.
Views
The Views section in Data Forms is simpler compared to Process Flows or Boards. Only two states are available:
- New Mode – when a new record is being created but not yet saved.
- Update Mode – when an existing record is being modified.
For each mode, you can control:
- Field visibility
- Mandatory vs optional status
- Read-only mode
Unlike Process Flows or Boards, Data Forms only allow On Load events. Events such as On Send, On Cancel, or On Transfer do not apply here.
On Load events can be used to prefill values, hide/show fields dynamically, or run expressions whenever a form is opened for creating or updating records.
Publishing
Once your Data Form is fully designed, click Publish to make it available for record creation. Publishing makes the Data Form accessible across NileDesk for data entry.
If you are not ready to release it, you may save it as a draft and continue editing later.