Forms

Forms are used a lot throughout the org admin screens in the content management system to manage user, user group and channel information.

Form layout

Forms should be logical and be in a predictable order. In most cases, the inputs should sit in 2 columns and go from left to right, working your way now. For example, the user details page shows first input (first name) top left, then second input to the right of that (second name), followed by third input (job role) below etc.

Group related fields together under a heading to provide context to the user and make the page more scannable.

Form components

Input fields should always have informative labels and helpful placeholder text. Error messages should show below the field in red and input border should also be red.

When a field is pre-populated and not editable via the CMS, but instead only by CSV upload, the data appears under the label as text only, not in an input field.

Since a user’s password cannot be changed manually by another user, the reset link is supplied under the password label.

Checkboxes are used instances where something can be turned on or off. Radio buttons are used if the user must make a single choice between multiple values.

Dropdowns are used when there are many values for users to choose from and when it appears on a data row to save room.