Hi all

I'm evaluating whether to purchase the new HTML-based form builder, after using an old version of the Flash form builder for some years.

In any event, judging from the Lite version, it appears that the new HTML-based software is extremely limited in terms of layout options. Whereas the previous version allowed you to manually decide where all of the elements would be, from sizes, positions, icons and images; the new version is far more restricted and offers less granularity, particularly for sites with non-standard custom designs.

I realise that it's possible to edit and play around with the HTML and CSS files that the software creates, but if you have to do that then I see no point in purchasing the software, especially given that the flash version was much more flexible.

To highlight the point, please visit http://www.candeloris.com.au/reservations.html - that form was created with the old flash version (ditto for the form on the 'contact us' page). After spending a bit of time with the HTML version, I can see no way to recreate the same form without significantly changing the design of the site, or reverting to a somewhat ugly scrollable iframe.

Obviously, the main reason for wanting transition to a HTML/CSS-based form is for compatibility with all of Apple's devices - our site statistics indicate that these devices comprise 15-20% of monthly visits. At the moment, we have to rely on a separate bookings system (which is costly) in order for iPad/iPhone users to be able make online bookings.

Any ideas would be much appreciated, especially if additional customisation options are forthcoming in future updates.

Thanks

You might not be able make your form exactly within the program but being able to alter the html output would make it possible to get it very close. If you have to, pay someone to alter it for you with the money you'll save not using the separate booking system. The new form builder is way more flexible then the old one. Being able to write JQuery to the form files makes this program awesome. I look at this new program like a gear reducer. You might not be able to go as fast but you have way more power. If you need help altering your form html make one and then ask. I bet someone in the forum will be willing to help you out.

I have actually found a suitable alternative over at **a different** - basically works like the CoffeCup flash for builder except renders everything in HTML and CSS. It's not quite as elegant to use as
CoffeeCup software but it does what I need. I've now updated the forms on my website and they work perfectly fine so far on the desktop as well as the iPad and iPhone.

I will continue to monitor the development of the CoffeeCup HTML for builder in any event to see whether it regains the flexibility of its flash brethren.

Just thought I'd point out the obvious on that simfatic form:

Full, Unrestricted License: $49 (USD)
Your license includes

FREE Technical Support for 12 months
Free Upgrades for 6 months

Just an FYI in case you didn't see that part. CC software is free upgrades for the life of the program, and tech support too. Why would you spend 50 bux on something that you will have to pay again to update rather than taking a little time to learn the new one? Granted I know a good handful of features that are needed yet, but they are coming and this is pretty new. Still... you can alter it all yourself in the code until those features are available. Just my thoughts on it, but good luck with it.

P.S. I looked at your current form on that site, and not sure if that's the new or old program, but that's entirely doable with the CC Form builder with very little work. Not sure exactly what you were working with or trying to do it or how, but I do know it can definitely be done with it.

Hi Jo Ann

I fully appreciate that CoffeCup includes lifetime upgrades etc, but until the Web Form Builder is as flexible as the old Flash Form Builder, it doesn't really help me. I didn't have time to wait for WFB to come out of beta and from what I've read on these forums, I can't see any express intention to allow users the same degree of flexibility as was previously in FFB.

When I say 'flexible', I mean the ability to create custom, pixel perfect designs. This is not possible with WFB.

In regards to the forms that are currently up on my site - they are forms created with **a different** Form Builder. They mimic exactly what I had before with my coffeecup flash form builder forms, except now they are rendered in HTML and CSS and are fully compatible with mobile platforms.

hiya rc..,

First let me say 2 things about the Form comparisons. The form you did on your site (that is currently there right now) can be easily done with CC's Web Form Builder. If you are having issues doing that, then ask questions about it, it's not very hard to do at all once you get the hang of it you'll be going "well duh I should have realized that".

Second, the form on your site is outdated code. It uses tables for it which is not considered the standard in today's coding system so yes, I can see why the "other" program (which I deleted the name of on your posts as there's no need to advertise for them here) would have it done a little easier. They haven't bothered to update their standards to using div tags let alone HTML5 which is both done with the new Web Form Builder from CC so yes, it might take a little more effort to create them, but you will have completely valid and current code standards.

Anyways, that's just my 10 cents on it. The Form Builder form CC can very easily do what you did on your site, that is an extremely basic form setup you have. If you're a coder it shouldn't take you very long at all to decipher how it functions. No it's not the drag and drop ease that it used to be, yes I miss that too, but it's highly functional, definitely easy to use, and with a little intuition and ask a question or 2 you've got very up to date right into HTML5 code.

I see nothing special with your form on the site. Using a transparent theme it can over play whatever back ground you have. I used to code my forms in html and position the objects with absolute positions set backgrounds etc,
Now I kick start Visual Site Designer, Create my Page, Create a form with Web form Builder theme or manual and dump it into VSD, Preview tweak it all a bit and hit publish. So easy.

Since WFB came out I think at least 4 upgrades have occurred not corrections but improvements with added attributes. We are a dedicated mob here, we are not paid but I for one hang about to glean every last bit out of these fabulous apps.

It is getting to the point of asking oneself not what it can do but what can't it do. I was a avid user of the flash version and was a bit put off when I first tried the html version but that was the lite version. But now I cannot see why I would ever have to manual code a form again. I have not seen one that offers regular expressions in a text field WFB just came out with it.

I had a lot of choices before I settled for WFB and very glad I did.

There are many choices out there for software... And my only thing is, where can you go and find the CEO, VP of marketing & Development regulatory answering questions on the forums... Not to mention the small few here that answer questions on a regular basis. CC is the place to be. Get in before it is too late! Prices are going up.

When using the options box, is there a way to change/add input options based on a previous option answers?

Hiya Steven,

Not at this time, but we are hoping to see that in a future update. It's been asked for a lot and I am thinking I saw something somewhere saying it was coming, but don't hold me to that I may have read it wrong lol