Formidable Forms Integration for wpDataTables
WordPress is a powerful platform that allows users to create and manage websites with ease. One of the key features that make WordPress so versatile is its extensive library of plugins. Among these plugins, Formidable Forms and wpDataTables stand out for their functionality and ease of use. In this article, we will explore the integration of Formidable Forms with wpDataTables, and how this integration can enhance your website’s data management capabilities.
What is Formidable Forms?
Formidable Forms is a popular WordPress plugin that allows users to create complex forms with ease. It is known for its drag-and-drop form builder, which makes it simple to create forms without any coding knowledge. Formidable Forms offers a wide range of features, including:
- Conditional Logic: Show or hide fields based on user input.
- Calculations: Perform calculations based on form data.
- Multi-Page Forms: Create forms that span multiple pages.
- File Uploads: Allow users to upload files through your forms.
- Form Templates: Use pre-built templates to quickly create forms.
What is wpDataTables?
wpDataTables is another powerful WordPress plugin that allows users to create responsive tables and charts. It is designed to handle large amounts of data and make it easy to display this data in a user-friendly format. Some of the key features of wpDataTables include:
- Responsive Design: Tables and charts that look great on all devices.
- Data Import: Import data from various sources, including Excel, CSV, and Google Sheets.
- Advanced Filtering: Allow users to filter data based on specific criteria.
- Conditional Formatting: Highlight data based on certain conditions.
- Editable Tables: Allow users to edit table data directly from the front end.
Why Integrate Formidable Forms with wpDataTables?
Integrating Formidable Forms with wpDataTables can significantly enhance your website’s data management capabilities. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider this integration:
- Seamless Data Collection: Use Formidable Forms to collect data from users and automatically display this data in wpDataTables.
- Enhanced Data Visualization: Create charts and tables to visualize form data in a more meaningful way.
- Improved User Experience: Provide users with a more interactive and engaging way to view and interact with data.
- Time-Saving: Automate the process of data collection and display, saving you time and effort.
How to Integrate Formidable Forms with wpDataTables
Integrating Formidable Forms with wpDataTables is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Install and Activate the Plugins
First, you need to install and activate both the Formidable Forms and wpDataTables plugins. You can do this from the WordPress dashboard by navigating to Plugins > Add New and searching for the plugins. Once you find them, click Install Now and then Activate.
Step 2: Create a Form with Formidable Forms
Next, create a form using Formidable Forms. Navigate to Formidable > Forms and click Add New. Use the drag-and-drop builder to create your form, adding the fields you need. Once you are satisfied with your form, click Create.
Step 3: Configure Formidable Forms to Store Data
After creating your form, you need to configure it to store the data in a way that wpDataTables can use. Navigate to the form settings and ensure that the form submissions are being saved to the database. You can do this by going to Formidable > Forms, selecting your form, and clicking on Settings. Under the Actions & Notifications tab, make sure that the Store Entries option is enabled.
Step 4: Create a Table with wpDataTables
Now, you need to create a table using wpDataTables that will display the data collected by Formidable Forms. Navigate to wpDataTables > Create a Table and select the option to create a table from existing data. Choose Formidable Forms as the data source and select the form you created earlier.
Step 5: Configure the Table
Once you have selected your form, wpDataTables will automatically generate a table based on the form fields. You can customize the table by adding or removing columns, changing the column order, and applying filters. Use the table settings to configure the table to your liking.
Step 6: Display the Table on Your Website
Finally, you need to display the table on your website. To do this, copy the shortcode provided by wpDataTables and paste it into the page or post where you want the table to appear. You can find the shortcode by navigating to wpDataTables > Tables, selecting your table, and copying the shortcode from the Shortcode column.
Benefits of Using Formidable Forms and wpDataTables Integration
Integrating Formidable Forms with wpDataTables offers several benefits:
- Automated Data Management: Automatically collect and display data without manual intervention.
- Enhanced Data Visualization: Create interactive tables and charts to better understand your data.
- Improved User Experience: Provide users with a more engaging way to interact with data.
- Time-Saving: Reduce the time and effort required to manage data.
- Customizable: Tailor the forms and tables to meet your specific needs.
Use Cases for Formidable Forms and wpDataTables Integration
The integration of Formidable Forms and wpDataTables can be used in a variety of scenarios:
- Surveys and Polls: Collect survey responses and display the results in interactive charts and tables.
- Event Registrations: Manage event registrations and display attendee lists.
- Customer Feedback: Collect and analyze customer feedback to improve your products or services.
- Order Management: Track and display order information for e-commerce websites.
- Membership Sites: Manage member information and display member directories.
Conclusion
Integrating Formidable Forms with wpDataTables can significantly enhance your website’s data management capabilities. By combining the powerful form-building features of Formidable Forms with the advanced data visualization tools of wpDataTables, you can create a seamless and efficient data management system. Whether you are collecting survey responses, managing event registrations, or tracking customer feedback, this integration can help you streamline your processes and provide a better user experience.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Formidable Forms integration for wpDataTables. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily set up this integration and start reaping the benefits of automated data management and enhanced data visualization.