Create Form in SharePoint Designer 2013: Custom Fields Without Coding

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I built my first SharePoint workflow back in 2013 for a nonprofit in Denver. ✨ The form took 20 minutes to create and saved them 10 hours of paperwork monthly.

SharePoint Designer 2013 makes it shockingly simple to build custom forms without touching code. You drag fields, set data types, and let the platform handle the rest. No server access or admin rights needed.

You’ll create forms with dropdowns, date pickers, and validation that feel production-grade. The interface is older but rock solid—once you learn the quirks, it becomes second nature.

Works for lists, libraries, or standalone pages. Here’s the setup!

📚 In This Guide

  • What You’ll Need
  • Instructions
  • Tips and Common Mistakes

What Youll Need

🛠 Materials & Tools
  • ● Required: A computer with Windows 7/8/10 (32-bit or 64-bit) 💻
  • ● SharePoint Designer 2013 (installed and licensed)
  • ● Access to a SharePoint 2013 environment (on-premises or Office 365)
  • ● Administrator or design permissions on the SharePoint site
  • ○ Optional: A test SharePoint list to practice form creation
  • ● Custom field templates (if predefined fields are needed)

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Custom Form Creation

Small details in SharePoint Designer can save you hours of frustration.

Connection Insight: Always use the Open Site button from the start screen in Step 1 instead of typing the URL manually. I learned this the hard way after authentication errors derailed my first three attempts. This method bypasses common login issues.

Naming Convention: In Step 2, when creating your Blank Web Part Page, stick to alphanumeric filenames like CustomRequestForm.aspx. Spaces or special characters can cause unexpected errors in SharePoint’s backend processing.

Field Customization Pro Tip: During Step 4, remember that changes in the Form Tools tab apply immediately. There’s no save button—what you see is what you get. This took me a while to trust, but it’s one of SharePoint Designer’s most efficient features.

Testing Protocol: For Step 5, always test on both desktop and mobile as mentioned. I’ve seen forms that look perfect on desktop completely break on mobile devices, especially with custom field layouts.

💡

Pro Tips for Create Form In Sharepoint Designer 2013

  • Small details in SharePoint Designer can save you hours of frustration.
  • Connection Insight: Always use the Open Site button from the start screen in Step 1 instead of typing the URL manuall…
  • Naming Convention: In Step 2, when creating your Blank Web Part Page, stick to alphanumeric filenames like CustomRequ…

Frequently Asked Questions

1

How do I create a custom form in SharePoint Designer 2013?

Open SharePoint Designer, navigate to your site, and select the list or library. Right-click to create a new form, then customize fields using the design tools. Save and publish when done.

2

Can I add validation rules to my SharePoint form?

Yes! Use SharePoint Designer’s validation tools to set rules for fields (e.g., required fields, data types). Open the form in design view and apply validation via the ribbon or properties pane.

3

What if my form isn’t appearing in the browser?

Check if the form is published and set as the default. Ensure the list/library permissions are correct, and clear your browser cache. If issues persist, republish the form in Designer.

4

Are there alternatives to SharePoint Designer for form creation?

Yes, you can use InfoPath (for advanced forms) or Power Apps for modern SharePoint. However, Designer 2013 remains a simple, no-code option for basic customization.

5

How long does it take to create a form in SharePoint Designer 2013?

A basic form can be created in 10-15 minutes. Complex forms with custom fields or validation may take 30+ minutes, depending on your familiarity with the tool.

Creating a custom form in SharePoint Designer 2013 is a powerful way to tailor data collection without coding. 🎯 With the right steps, you can design forms that fit your workflow perfectly. Now that you’re equipped with the know-how, try building your first form and explore advanced customization options to enhance functionality further!

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Michael Davis
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