> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rooks.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rooks.ai/build-and-publish-forms/create-a-form.md).

# Create a Form

Bring your form idea to life using the information you already have.

Rooks can create a form from a description, an existing form, or an uploaded file. Choose the starting point that most closely matches what you already have.

### Choose how to start

* **Start with a description** when you know the purpose of the form and the information it should collect.
* **Start with an existing form** when a form in your workspace already has a similar structure or content.
* **Start with a file** when you have a questionnaire, paper form, or other source document that Rooks should use as a reference.

Whichever method you choose, give Rooks clear instructions about the result you want.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="https://4961802-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FvpDd4AzPByxaznUGpGcA%2Fuploads%2FKTp0V4wuSLmBm82rmQqp%2FHomepage-prompt.png?alt=media&amp;token=195ba553-a040-4158-a57e-015dc04eb293" alt="" width="479"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

***

### Create a form from a description

What form would you like to build? Describe the form’s purpose, audience, and requirements in plain language.

Include:

* Who will complete the form
* What the intake process is for
* What information you need to collect
* How the information should be grouped into pages
* Which questions should be required
* When follow-up questions should appear
* The tone or appearance you want

For example:

> Create a consultation request form for a family law practice. Collect contact details, preferred contact method, the type of matter, important dates, and a short description. Put contact details on the first page. If the person has an upcoming court date, ask for the date and county. Keep the language calm and straightforward.

Submit your description. Rooks creates the initial form and opens it in the editor.

***

### Create a form from a file

Attach a source file when Rooks should use an existing document, image, or data file to create the form.

Rooks accepts:

* PDF
* PNG
* JPEG
* WebP
* Plain text
* CSV

You can attach up to five files at once. Each file must be 10 MB or smaller.

{% hint style="warning" icon="square-exclamation" %}
Do not upload files containing protected health information (PHI).
{% endhint %}

#### Add source files

1. From the workspace home page, click the **+** to **Add photos & files**.
2. Choose the files you want to use. You can also drag them onto the prompt area.
3. Explain what Rooks should create from them.
4. Submit your request.

{% hint style="info" icon="square-info" %}
Do not attach a file without instructions. Tell Rooks whether it should preserve the source closely or adapt it into a better digital experience.
{% endhint %}

For example:

> Use the attached PDF as the source for a digital intake form. Preserve the meaning of every question, but group related questions into short pages. Keep the consent wording unchanged. Call out any content that is unclear or cannot be represented accurately.

You can also explain how multiple files relate to one another:

> Use the PDF as the source for the questions and the image as a visual reference for the form’s appearance.

#### Check the source carefully

A document does not always translate directly into an interactive form. Tables, handwritten notes, unclear checkboxes, or page-specific instructions may need additional guidance.

Compare the resulting form with the source and pay particular attention to:

* Names and dates
* Required questions
* Response choices
* Consent or acknowledgment language
* Follow-up rules
* Information that may have been unclear in the source

{% hint style="warning" icon="square-exclamation" %}
Only attach source material that your organization is authorized to use.
{% endhint %}

***

### Start from an existing form

Duplicate a form when you want to reuse its content and structure without changing the original.

1. Find the form in your workspace.
2. Open the form’s menu.
3. Select **Duplicate**.
4. Enter a **Display name** for the new form.
5. Review the generated **URL slug**. This is the part of the form’s web address that identifies it and cannot be changed after the form is created.
6. Optionally add a description for your team.
7. Select **Duplicate**.

Rooks creates a separate form based on the original. Changes to the duplicate do not change the original form.

Open the new form and tell the form assistant how it should differ. For example:

> Adapt this form for returning patients. Keep the contact and insurance pages, remove the full medical history, and add questions about changes since the previous visit.

Review the duplicate before publishing it. Content copied from the original may not be appropriate for the new audience or purpose.