> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.pears.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.pears.io/plan/community-events/form-builder-basics.md).

# Form Builder Basics

Learn the basics of the drag-and-drop form builder for community event registration forms in PEARS.

The Form Builder is a drag-and-drop interface for designing registration forms for community events. It appears after configuring a registration type (attendee, sponsor/vendor, volunteer, or other).

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**TIP:** The form builder auto-saves as you work. You can exit using the **Go back** button at the top left of the screen and all progress will be saved under the respective registration type.
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## Building a Form

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#### Add fields

Drag field elements from the right-side panel onto the form canvas to add them. Available field types include text inputs, dropdowns, checkboxes, radio buttons, date pickers, and file uploads.
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#### Rename fields

Click on a field to open its properties. Rename each field in the properties section — these names appear in data exports and help identify specific questions.
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#### Set fields as required

Expand the **Validation** section in the field properties and toggle the **Required** setting. A red asterisk appears next to the field label as a visual indicator.
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#### Add conditional logic

Use the **Conditions** section to configure fields that show or hide based on responses to other fields. For example, display a text field only when a "Yes" response is selected.
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#### Reorder fields

Drag fields up or down on the canvas to change their order on the form.
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#### Remove fields

Click the delete icon on any field to remove it from the form.
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## Demographic Fields

The element panel includes demographic elements for age, gender, and race and ethnicity. Responses to these elements are hidden from confirmation emails and from users who cannot view demographics, and they can be used to auto-calculate the demographics of a linked program activity.

* **Race and Ethnicity Checkbox Group** — Asks the combined race and ethnicity question, with the categories **American Indian or Alaska Native**, **Asian**, **Black or African American**, **Hispanic or Latino**, **Middle Eastern or North African**, **Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander**, **White**, **Other**, and **Prefer not to respond**. The combined categories are offered in every organization, so you can prepare a form for an upcoming event before your organization's 2027 reporting period begins.
* **Ethnicity Radio Group** — The separate Hispanic / Latino question. It stays available for new questions until a 2027 or later reporting period opens for your organization; after that it is no longer offered.

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**TIP:** Saved forms keep their existing questions, options, and answers, including a separate Ethnicity question, and continue to accept registrations. Adding the combined question to an existing form does not change the questions already on it.
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**TIP:** For questions about advanced form builder features, contact PEARS Support at <support@pears.io> or (785) 789-3199.
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