Documentation User Guide

Field Types Overview

This page helps you understand the field types you can use in Elzo Forms and how to choose the right field for a form.

Use this page when you are building a form and need to decide which field type matches the information you want to collect.

Before you begin

The exact field list may depend on your installed Elzo Forms version and active add-ons.

Use the form builder as the source of truth for the fields available on your site. This page explains common field types and how to think about them.

Text fields

Use text fields when the visitor should enter a short piece of information.

Common examples include:

  • name;
  • company name;
  • job title;
  • city;
  • short custom answer.

Text fields work best for short responses. For longer messages, use a textarea field instead.

Email field

Use an email field when the visitor should enter an email address.

An email field helps collect an address in the expected format. It is commonly used for contact forms, request forms, registration forms, and notification workflows.

Use a clear label such as Email address.

Textarea field

Use a textarea field when the visitor should enter a longer message.

Common examples include:

  • message;
  • project details;
  • support request details;
  • additional notes;
  • explanation or description.

Textarea fields are useful when one line of text is not enough.

Number field

Use a number field when the visitor should enter a numeric value.

Common examples include:

  • quantity;
  • age, when appropriate;
  • estimated budget;
  • number of people;
  • numeric reference.

Only use a number field when the value should be treated as a number. For values that may contain letters, symbols, spaces, or leading zeros, use a text field.

Select field

Use a select field when the visitor should choose one option from a dropdown list.

Select fields are useful when:

  • the list has several options;
  • the page should stay compact;
  • the visitor should choose one value;
  • the options are predefined.

Use short option labels so the dropdown stays readable.

Radio field

Use a radio field when the visitor should choose one option from a visible list.

Radio fields are useful when the choices should be visible without opening a dropdown.

Use radio fields for short lists. If the list is long, a select field may be easier to use.

Checkbox field

Use a checkbox field when the visitor can enable or confirm something.

Common examples include:

  • agreeing to a statement;
  • selecting one or more preferences, if multiple checkboxes are supported;
  • confirming that information is understood;
  • opting into a specific request.

Use clear labels for checkboxes. The label should say exactly what the visitor is agreeing to or selecting.

File upload field

Use a file upload field when the visitor needs to attach a file.

Common examples include:

  • documents;
  • images;
  • screenshots;
  • forms or files needed for review.

Before using file uploads, consider privacy and storage. Only collect files that you actually need.

Also check allowed file types and file size limits in your settings.

Hidden field

Use a hidden field when the form needs to store a value that visitors do not edit directly.

Hidden fields can be useful for internal tracking or form context.

Do not use hidden fields for sensitive security decisions. Visitors may be able to inspect or manipulate frontend form data.

HTML or content field

Use an HTML or content field when you need to show text, instructions, or layout content inside the form.

This type of field is useful for:

  • instructions;
  • section introductions;
  • short notices;
  • explanations between groups of fields.

Do not put critical information only in images. Use real text so it is readable and accessible.

Submit button

The submit button lets the visitor send the form.

Use clear button text that matches the action, such as:

  • Send Message;
  • Submit Request;
  • Register;
  • Apply;
  • Continue.

Avoid vague labels when a clearer action is available.

Choosing the right field

Use this general rule:

  • Use a text field for short free-form input.
  • Use a textarea for longer messages.
  • Use select or radio when the visitor must choose one option.
  • Use checkboxes for confirmations or multiple simple choices.
  • Use file upload only when you need a file.
  • Use hidden fields only for internal form context.

Keep forms as simple as possible. The best field is the one that collects the needed information with the least confusion.

Field availability

Some fields or settings may depend on the installed version or whether Elzo Forms PRO is active.

If a field appears in the builder, it is available on your site. If a field does not appear, check the installed version and plugin settings.

Troubleshooting

I do not see a field type mentioned here

Check your installed Elzo Forms version. The field may not be available in your version, or it may use a different name in the builder.

Visitors enter inconsistent values

Use predefined options such as select, radio, or checkbox fields when the value must be consistent.

A long form feels difficult to complete

Review whether every field is necessary. You can also use multi-step forms to split longer forms into clearer sections.

A required field blocks submission

Check whether the field is visible and whether the required setting is appropriate. Hidden required fields can prevent submission.

  • Field Settings
  • Conditional Logic for Fields
  • Multi-Step Forms
  • Create and Publish Your First Form

Applies to

  • Elzo Forms Free
  • Elzo Forms PRO
  • WordPress admin
  • Form builder

Last reviewed

2026-07-04

 
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