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How to Build your first form from scratch on Typeform

beginner 6 min read Updated 2026-05-11
Quick Answer

Sign up for a free Typeform account, click Create a new form and select Start from scratch, add questions via the + button, customize with themes and settings, then preview, test, and publish your form. This beginner task takes 15-30 minutes using the drag-and-drop editor. Common issues like AI failures resolve by manual addition.

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Prerequisites

  • Free Typeform account (sign up via Google, Microsoft, or email)
  • Web browser (desktop recommended for full features)
  • Prepared question text or images (optional, compress images first)
  • No prior experience needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Access Create Form Option

Log into your Typeform account at typeform.com. Locate and click the prominent Create a new form button in the center of the dashboard or top-left navigation menu to begin.[1][5][9]
2

Select Start from Scratch

In the creation modal, choose Start from scratch (avoid templates or AI for full control). This opens the visual editor with a default Welcome screen ready for customization.[1][4][5]
Desktop browser recommended for best editing experience.
3

Name Your Form

In the editor's top bar, click the default title field (e.g., Untitled form) and enter a descriptive name like Customer Feedback Survey. This automatically updates the form's title property.[1][3]
4

Customize Welcome Screen

Edit the Welcome screen (first block on left canvas): update default text like Hi! Welcome to your first Typeform., add a subtitle, customize button text (default: Start), and upload a background image via the Media tab. Default: plain background, no image.[4]
Keep text concise to engage respondents quickly.
5

Add First Question

Click the + (Add content) button at the canvas bottom. Select a question type from the menu, such as Short text for open responses. Enter question text like What's your name? and toggle Required if needed (off by default).[4][5]
6

Configure Question Properties

Use the right sidebar Properties panel to set Placeholder text (e.g., Type your name here), enable Validation for email/number types, and attach media via Background or Image tabs. Defaults: empty placeholder, no attachments, standard theme.[4]
Compress images beforehand for faster uploads.
7

Add More Questions

Repeat adding questions with types like Multiple choice (single/multi-select, default 2 choices), Yes/No, or Rating (1-5 stars). Drag blocks on the canvas to reorder.[4]
Limit to 5-10 questions initially to boost completion rates.
8

Set Form Settings

Click the top-right Settings gear icon. Configure Language (default: English), Progress bar (e.g., Questions remaining, off by default), and Ending message with custom Thank you screen, text, or redirect URL. Defaults: publicly shareable, no password.[3][4]
9

Apply a Theme

In Settings > Theme, select a preset or customize colors/fonts (default: light theme). Upload a logo via Assets tab for branding.[2][4]
Stick to Typeform's defaults for a professional look.
10

Preview, Test, and Publish

Click top-right Preview (eye icon) to test in a new tab, navigating questions and checking logic if added. Once ready, hit Publish to generate a shareable link or embed code (e.g., <button> snippet).[4][6]
Test on mobile too for responsiveness.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

AI form generation fails or produces irrelevant questions

Switch to Start from scratch or Add form elements manually; use specific prompts like Create a 5-question customer feedback form if retrying AI.[1][2][5]

Questions not saving or form stuck in edit mode

Check required fields, refresh the page, or ensure stable internet; save manually via top bar and avoid browser extensions.[1]

Images/videos not uploading or slowing editor

Compress files first (under 10MB), use supported formats (JPG/PNG/MP4), or switch to default backgrounds.[3][4]

Logic jumps not working in preview

Verify Logic map in sidebar, test each branch, and republish after changes.[4][6]

Form exceeds free plan limits (10 questions/100 responses)

Upgrade to paid plan or simplify form; delete unused blocks to stay under limits.[1][3]

Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Typeform website before purchasing.
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