To get user data forms are used. You can also forms to make virtual store to make orders. Frames are used to create surveys, to get users opinions, to create virtual store etc. Once the form is sent by the user, a new program is generated which receives the data and make the required treatment.

 

The Structure of an interactive form


You can create a form and insert its elements by using the Insert menu and by selecting the Form option. You can get easy access to the list of all form objects through this option. Let's have a look on the detail of the different elements of the form that can be inserted into the form.


Text Field – this option allows you to insert a text box. Only users can use this option. The Text Area allows many users. The text field can be converted into the Text Area by using the properties inspector. It can also be defined as the Password. By doing so, the text field characters will be hidden. You can define the width of the text box, the top number of lines or characters, and the initial value of the box by using the properties inspector.

Button

The buttons include three options; these are Submit form, Reset form, or None. Through the Label field of the properties inspector, you can change the text button.

Check box

It is a tiny square box which can be activate or deactivated according to your choice. You can either activate it by checking it or deactivate it by un-checking it.

Radio button

It is a small rounded button which can be selected or deselected. Only one can be activated at one time among many.

List/Menu
A list or menu is a kind of form element which is based on a list of various options. Elements can be added through the List Values button of the properties inspector. Only one of these elements can be selected from a menu, but more than one can be selected from a list. It can be done through editing the Selections option of properties inspector.

Label

Labels are used for the naming of the remaining elements of the form. This is to inform the user about the type of data which is to be introduced into each of these forms.

Creating Interactive forms

In order to create forms use the Insert menu and then use the Form field. After creating a form you can see it in the Dreamweaver window as a box with dashed red lines. In order to add the elements of form use the Insert menu and then the Form option.
It is advisable to use tables to organize the form elements. By using them you will be use the form elements in a better way. That is because it will make their comprehension easier and will improve its appearance.

Validating Interactive Forms

Forms are validated prior to sending them by using the form validation option. In order to validate a form, open the Behaviors panel. You can open this panel from the Window menu, or by pressing the short keys Shift+F3. In this panel you are required to unfold various buttons by clicking on them such as there is a button with + mark, and in show events for, choose an original version form the first list of browser. For example, you can select IE 6.0 browser. After performing this activity, you need to unfold the same button again and select the Valid form option. To perform all this, you need to select the form previously. You can choose form elements according to your requirement and specify them. You can also set an obligatory filing box, whether it can be used for numbers or e-mail etc.