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

# Forms and form templates

> How records are created and edited, and how to give one table several form templates for different situations.

Forms are how records are created and edited. When you select **New** on a table or open an existing record, a form presents the record's fields in an organized layout. Every table has at least one form, and tables can have several — each one a template tuned for a different situation.

## How a form is laid out

A form lays out fields in blocks:

* **Columns** place fields side by side instead of one long stack.
* **Fieldsets** group related fields into a labeled section.
* **Tabs** split a large form into pages, so users see one area at a time.

The layout is edited visually in the [Page Designer](/docs/data/page-designer), and each field renders with the widget that matches its type — see [Fields and field types](/docs/data/fields).

## Form templates

A table can have several form templates for different situations. A short intake form might capture just the essentials when a record is first created, while a complete record form exposes everything for later editing.

When a table has more than one template, the dropdown next to **New** lets users pick which one to use when creating a record.

### Manage templates

Each template has a menu with these actions:

| Action             | What it does                                                   |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Set as default** | Makes this template the one used unless another is chosen      |
| **Rename**         | Changes the template's name                                    |
| **Edit**           | Opens the template in the [Page Designer](/docs/data/page-designer) |
| **Duplicate**      | Copies the template as a starting point for a new one          |
| **Delete**         | Removes the template                                           |

The default template carries a **Default** badge so it's easy to spot.

<Note>
  Every table keeps at least one default template. You can reorganize and delete templates freely, but a table is never left without a default form.
</Note>

## The record view

When you open a record, toggles at the top switch between three panels:

* **Form** — the record's fields, laid out by the form template.
* **Documents** — files attached to the record. See [Document management](/docs/documents/document-management).
* **Tasks** — tasks linked to the record. See [Calendar and tasks](/docs/platform/calendar-and-tasks).

## Common tasks

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a new template">
    From the template menu, use **Duplicate** on an existing template to start from a working layout, then **Rename** the copy. Duplicating is usually faster than building a layout from scratch.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set a default">
    Open the menu on the template you want and choose **Set as default**. It picks up the **Default** badge and becomes the form used unless a user picks another from the dropdown next to **New**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit a template's layout">
    Choose **Edit** on the template to open the [Page Designer](/docs/data/page-designer). Rearrange columns, fieldsets, tabs, and fields, preview the result, and save.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Keep the default template lean. Most records are created in a hurry — a short default form with the essentials, plus a complete template for detailed editing, serves both moments well.
</Tip>

## Related pages

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Page Designer" icon="pen-ruler" href="/docs/data/page-designer">
    The visual editor where form template layouts are built.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Field rules" icon="wand-magic-sparkles" href="/docs/data/field-rules">
    Add behavior to forms — conditional visibility, validation, computed values.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>