> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.orbitforms.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Best Practices

> Follow these proven practices to create forms that convert better and provide a great user experience.

Follow these proven practices to create forms that convert better and provide
a great user experience. Small improvements can lead to significant gains.

## Form Design

|   | Do                            | Don't                                             |
| - | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| ✅ | Keep forms short and focused  | ❌ Ask for unnecessary information                 |
| ✅ | Use clear, descriptive labels | ❌ Use jargon or ambiguous terms                   |
| ✅ | Group related fields together | ❌ Scatter related information throughout the form |

<Tip>
  * Every extra field can reduce completion rates by 5-10%
  * Labels should tell users exactly what to enter
  * Use sections to organize complex forms
</Tip>

## User Experience

|   | Do                                     | Don't                                   |
| - | -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| ✅ | Show progress indicators on long forms | ❌ Leave users guessing how much is left |
| ✅ | Use inline validation                  | ❌ Wait until submission to show errors  |
| ✅ | Make the submit button stand out       | ❌ Hide or minimize the call to action   |

<Tip>
  * Flow Forms automatically show progress
  * Help users fix mistakes as they type
  * Use contrasting colors for your submit button
</Tip>

## Mobile Optimization

|   | Do                            | Don't                                   |
| - | ----------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| ✅ | Test on mobile devices        | ❌ Assume desktop designs work on mobile |
| ✅ | Use appropriate input types   | ❌ Use text inputs for everything        |
| ✅ | Make tap targets large enough | ❌ Crowd elements too close together     |

<Tip>
  * Over 50% of form submissions come from mobile
  * Email fields show @ keyboard, number fields show numpad
  * Minimum 44x44px for touch targets
</Tip>

## Conversion Optimization

|   | Do                                | Don't                                         |
| - | --------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| ✅ | Start with easy questions         | ❌ Ask sensitive info upfront                  |
| ✅ | Use social proof when appropriate | ❌ Leave users wondering if they can trust you |
| ✅ | Customize the thank you message   | ❌ Use generic confirmation text               |

<Tip>
  * Build trust before asking for email or phone
  * Mention how many people have signed up
  * Set expectations for what happens next
</Tip>

## Key Takeaways

<Info>
  * Less is more — only ask for what you truly need
  * Test on mobile — most users are on their phones
  * Build trust — start easy and explain why you need info
  * Optimize continuously — use analytics to find drop-off points
</Info>