This guide explains all available field types in the MotoCMS 4 Contact Form element, their purpose, configuration options, practical usage examples, and recommendations.
In order to customize a contact form (be it a horizontal, vertical or quick registration form), you need to hover it and click the settings chainwheel:
To add a new field to your Contact Form element, you need to navigate to the Layout tab of Contact Form Settings and click the "Add a field" button:
Each field settings are available by clicking the chainwheel (settings) button next to the field:
Available field types:
- Short text
- Long text
- Number
- Phone
- Name
- Dropdown
- Date
- Radio button
- Check box
- Attach file
- I accept
- Calculation result
Short Text
Purpose
The Short text field is used for collecting small amounts of text from users.
Best Used For
- First name
- Last name
- Company name
- Subject
- City
- Order number
- Website URL
Typical Characteristics
- Single-line input
- Compact appearance
- Fast data entry
Recommended Settings
- Enable "Required" for important information.
- Use clear placeholder text.
- Add validation rules when applicable.
Example
Label: Company Name
Placeholder: Enter your company name
Long Text
Purpose
The Long text field allows users to enter larger text blocks.
Best Used For
- Messages
- Comments
- Project descriptions
- Support requests
- Additional notes
Typical Characteristics
- Multi-line textarea
- Expandable content area
- Suitable for detailed responses
Recommended Settings
- Use clear labels.
- Consider setting character limits for support forms.
- Make required if detailed information is necessary.
Example
Label: Project Details
Placeholder: Describe your project requirements
Number
Purpose
The Number field accepts numeric values only.
Best Used For
- Quantity
- Age
- Budget
- Number of participants
- Order amount
- Measurements
Typical Characteristics
- Numeric-only input
- Prevents text entry
- Can be used in calculations
Recommended Settings
- Set minimum and maximum values if needed.
- Use validation to prevent invalid numbers.
- Combine with Calculation Result fields for estimates.
Example
Label: Estimated Budget
Placeholder: 5000
Purpose
The Email field collects email addresses and validates formatting.
Best Used For
- Contact requests
- Newsletter forms
- Account inquiries
- Quote requests
Typical Characteristics
- Email format validation
- Helps reduce invalid submissions
- Mobile-friendly keyboard support
Recommended Settings
- Always mark as required for reply-based forms.
- Use descriptive labels.
- Add confirmation messaging after submission.
Example
Label: Email Address
Placeholder: name@example.com
Phone
Purpose
The Phone field is designed for phone number collection.
Best Used For
- Callback requests
- Customer support
- Booking forms
- Delivery contacts
Typical Characteristics
- Numeric-oriented input
- Optimized for mobile devices
- Easier phone entry experience
Recommended Settings
- Specify expected format in placeholder text.
- Use country codes for international websites.
- Make optional unless phone contact is required.
Example
Label: Phone Number
Placeholder: +1 (555) 123-4567
Name
Purpose
The Name field provides a dedicated user name input.
Best Used For
- Full name collection
- Customer identification
- Registration forms
- Service requests
Typical Characteristics
- User-friendly name input
- Cleaner structure for contact forms
- Simplifies visitor data collection
Recommended Settings
- Mark as required for business inquiries.
- Use clear formatting instructions if needed.
Example
Label: Full Name
Placeholder: John Smith
Dropdown
Purpose
The Dropdown field allows users to select one option from a predefined list.
Best Used For
- Service selection
- Country selection
- Department routing
- Package choice
- Priority level
Typical Characteristics
- Saves form space
- Standardized input
- Prevents inconsistent answers
Recommended Settings
- Keep option lists concise.
- Use logical ordering.
- Add a default placeholder option like:
Please select
Example
Label: Select Service
Options:
- Web Design
- SEO
- Hosting
- Support
Date
Purpose
The Date field allows users to choose dates using a calendar picker.
Best Used For
- Appointment booking
- Delivery scheduling
- Event registration
- Reservation requests
- Deadline selection
Typical Characteristics
- Calendar-based selection
- Reduces formatting mistakes
- Improves usability
Recommended Settings
- Define date limits if applicable.
- Clarify expected timezone or format.
- Combine with time fields if necessary.
Example
Label: Preferred Appointment Date
Radio Button
Purpose
The Radio button field allows users to select a single option from multiple visible choices.
Best Used For
- Yes/No questions
- Plan selection
- Gender selection
- Delivery methods
- Simple preferences
Typical Characteristics
- All options visible at once
- Faster decision-making
- Only one option can be selected
Recommended Settings
- Keep the number of options small.
- Use short and clear labels.
- Prefer radio buttons over dropdowns for fewer than 5 options.
Example
Label: Preferred Contact Method
Options:
- Phone
Check Box
Purpose
The Check box field allows users to select multiple options.
Best Used For
- Interests
- Service combinations
- Feature selection
- Multi-choice preferences
- Agreement
Important! If you need an agreement checkbox linked to some page, please use "I agree" field type.
Typical Characteristics
- Multiple selections allowed
- Flexible response collection
- Simple interaction
Recommended Settings
- Clearly explain selectable options.
- Avoid overly long option lists.
- Group related choices together.
Example
Label: Services Needed
Options:
- Website Design
- SEO Optimization
- Maintenance
- Hosting
Attach File
Purpose
The Attach file field allows visitors to upload files together with their form submission.
Best Used For
- Resume uploads
- Project briefs
- Screenshots
- Documents
- Images
- Technical reports
Typical Characteristics
- File upload capability
- Supports customer attachments
- Useful for support and hiring forms
Recommended Settings
- Specify allowed file formats.
- Mention maximum upload size.
- Use only when truly necessary.
- Monitor server storage usage.
Example
Label: Upload Your Resume
I Accept
Purpose
The I accept field is a consent checkbox used for agreements and legal confirmations.
Best Used For
- Privacy Policy agreement
- Terms and Conditions acceptance
- GDPR consent
- Marketing permissions
Typical Characteristics
- Single checkbox confirmation
- Often required before submission
- Supports compliance requirements
Recommended Settings
- Link to Privacy Policy pages.
- Make required for compliance-related forms.
- Use clear and legally understandable wording.
Example
Label: I accept the Privacy Policy
Calculation Result
Purpose
The Calculation result field displays dynamically calculated values based on other form fields.
Best Used For
- Price estimators
- Loan calculations
- Service cost estimates
- Booking totals
- Quantity-based pricing
Typical Characteristics
- Formula-based calculations
- Automatic updates
- Interactive form experience
Recommended Settings
- Clearly define calculation formulas.
- Test all calculation scenarios.
- Use Number fields as calculation sources.
- Display currency or units where appropriate.
Calculation Formula
Defines the mathematical formula used to calculate the result automatically.
You can use:
- Form variables
- Numbers
- Mathematical operators:
-
+addition -
-subtraction -
*multiplication -
/division -
( )parentheses
-
Example: (width + height) * 3
This formula dynamically updates the result when users change related field values.
Default Value
Specifies the initial value displayed before users enter any data.
Typical uses:
- Starting from
0 - Displaying a base service price
- Preventing empty result fields
Example: 0
Text on Left of Result
Adds static text before the calculated value.
Useful for:
- Labels
- Descriptions
- Pricing indicators
Example: Total:
Displayed result: Total: 250
Text on Right of Result
Adds static text after the calculated value.
Useful for:
- Currency symbols
- Units
- Measurement labels
Example: USD
Displayed result: 250 USD
Recommended Settings
- Clearly define calculation formulas.
- Test all calculation scenarios.
- Use Number fields as calculation sources.
- Display currency or units where appropriate.
- Use descriptive left and right result labels for clarity.
Example
Scenario: A printing service form calculates total cost based on:
- Quantity
- Paper type
- Delivery option
Formula example: Quantity × Price per unit
General Contact Form Best Practices
Keep Forms Short
Only request information that is truly necessary.
Use Clear Labels
Visitors should immediately understand what each field expects.
Group Related Fields
Organize fields logically for easier completion.
Optimize for Mobile Devices
Ensure forms remain easy to use on smaller screens.
Use Validation
Prevent incomplete or invalid submissions.
Avoid Overusing Required Fields
Too many mandatory fields may reduce conversion rates.
Add Confirmation Messages
Always show successful submission feedback.
Recommended Field Combinations
Basic Contact Form
- Name
- Long text
Quote Request Form
- Name
- Phone
- Dropdown
- Long text
- Attach file
Booking Form
- Name
- Phone
- Date
- Radio button
- Long text
Survey Form
- Radio button
- Check box
- Dropdown
- Long text
Price Calculator Form
- Number
- Dropdown
- Calculation result
Troubleshooting Tips
Form Does Not Submit
Check:
- Integrations
- Required fields
- Validation rules
- File upload limits
Uploaded Files Fail
Check:
- File size limits
- Allowed file extensions (executable files won't be accepted).
Calculations Are Incorrect
Check:
- Formula syntax
- Field references
- Numeric field values
Conclusion
MotoCMS 4 Contact Form fields provide flexible tools for building:
- Contact forms
- Booking forms
- Quote request forms
- Surveys
- Calculators
- Support forms
Selecting the correct field type improves:
- User experience
- Data accuracy
- Conversion rates
- Form usability
Use this guide as a reference when creating professional and efficient forms in Moto4.
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