How to Create & Use Google Forms?

By Jayraj | Last Updated on January 15th, 2020 8:28 am | 3-min read

Google Forms is a collaborative web survey software created by Google. It is free to use and is a part of the G Suite but is also available as a singular product. Google Forms has been around for 8 years.

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Google Forms is an excellent software for web-based surveys. While it may not be the most advanced survey software on the Internet, Google Forms gets the job done being the definitive choice for small businesses.

How to Create a Google Form

The infographic below will teach you how you can create a google form. A step-by-step textual guide to creating a form can also be found below.

Step 1: Click on the New Form button.

Step 2: Give your form a Title.

Step 3: Add a question. You can choose a variety of answer types from the dropdown menu by the side. The following is a list of question types that can be added to Google Forms.

Step 4: Click on the ‘+’ button to add another question to your form.

Step 5: Once you’ve added all the questions to your Google Form, go to the responses tab. The responses tab will record the answers to your form. If you toggle “Accepting Responses” and switch it off, the form will no longer be shown to the potential viewer.

(Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.)

Step 6: Click on the Create Spreadsheet option to create a sheet to record user’s answers. You can also link an existing sheet. The answers will be recorded in a Google Sheet file.

Step 7: Customize your Form and preview it. Following that, you can send it to your viewers over E-mail.

Types of Questions in a Google Form

Google Forms can be used to create 11 types of questions. The following are the type of questions present in a Google Form.

1. Short Answer

   Short answer questions can take answers with a length of up to 500 characters.

2. Paragraph

   Paragraph questions are suited for answers longer than 500 characters. They do not have a limit.

3. Multiple Choice

   This feature can be used to add multiple-choice questions.

4. Checkboxes

   When a question has multiple answers, or multiple responses are needed, checkboxes can be used.

5. Dropdown

   A dropdown menu lets you select an option from a flurry of options.

6. File Upload

   These are helpful when Forms are being used for job applications. An applicant can upload their photos and resume.

7. Linear scale

   Allows respondents to select a set number from a scale. Most used for feedback and rating related surveys.

8. Multiple Choice Grid

   As the name suggests, it is a multiple-choice question with more than one row of answers. A user can select only one answer per row.

9. Checkbox Grid

   A checkbox version of the multiple-choice grid.

10. Date

    Lets the respondent add a date. For example the Date of Birth.

11. Time

    Lets the respondent add a time.

Uses of Google Forms

Google Forms seems like a minimal software but is actually very versatile. Here are the most common ways that Google Forms are used:

• Surveys

  Google Forms was created for surveys and most of the features are skewed in this regard. All kinds of surveys like feedback surveys, NPS surveys, etc can be made using Google Forms.

  (Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.)

  Forms is part of the G Suite, using Forms for such surveys is a great way to save money for a small business. Forms allows users to send surveys over mail which makes them even better for this purpose. Google Forms can also be integrated with Appy Pie’s Connect for automating workflow processes.

• Tests

  Many ‘online’ teaching services use Google Forms for tests. While Google Forms may not be the most versatile testing application, most common tasks can be achieved through it. It can also be used for conduction MCQ-based examinations.

Forms’ greatest USP is its minimalistic and user-friendly interface which makes it a fine tool for teachers.

• Entrance Forms

  Schools/colleges can utilize Google Forms for entrance applications. While most of them prefer their own forms on their own website, Forms can help schools & colleges save a significant amount of money with Forms as their entry form.

  (Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.)
  All data on Forms is collected in a single spreadsheet which makes analyzing and processing them easier, efficient and quick.

• Quizzes

  Just like tests, Forms can be used to make quizzes. This involves quizzes made for education and quizzes made for fun.

(Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.)

• Job Applications

  Just like entry forms, Google Forms has a USP as a job application form. I personally have given interview applications through Google Forms. Done right, you wouldn’t need a resume to select candidates until the actual F2F interview. Google Forms makes it easier to select candidates since it standardizes the application process saving time for recruiters and consultants.

(Above video is a part of a more elaborate course on Academy by Appy Pie. To access the complete course, please Click Here, or continue reading below.)

Conclusion

Google Forms can be used for much more. It is one of the most underrated functionalities in G-Suite. Most people obsess over Docs and Sheets not knowing the value of Forms. With time, I expect Forms to gain more prominence. It has its limitations but what software doesn’t.

Did you know that you can integrate an app with Google Sheets?

About The Author

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Jayraj is a content writer whose goal in life is to be a polymath. He's not there yet but his quest has given him extensive knowledge about many things. He tries to share his knowledge by writing. In his free time, he surfs the Internet, takes long walks, and tries to flirt around. He loves love like Terry loves love!