Sharing forms

Learn how to share forms via URLs, QR codes, and email

Sharing overview

Ask Users provides multiple ways to share your forms with your audience. Whether you need a simple link to paste in an email or a QR code for print materials, we've got you covered.

All active forms are automatically hosted on the Ask Users platform with a unique URL that you can share immediately. You can also customize the URL or create QR codes for offline distribution.

Note: Forms must be activated before they can be shared. Inactive forms will display a message that the form is not currently available.

Hosted form URLs

Every active form gets a hosted URL that you can share anywhere. The form is displayed on a clean, branded page with your customizations applied.

Finding your form URL

  1. 1Navigate to your form in the dashboard
  2. 2Click the "Share" button in the top toolbar
  3. 3Copy the hosted form URL from the sharing modal
  4. 4Share the URL via email, messaging apps, or paste it anywhere

Example URL format:

https://forms.askusers.org/f/your-form-id

Custom slugs

Customize your form's URL with a memorable slug instead of using the auto-generated ID. This makes your links cleaner and easier to remember.

To create a custom slug:

  1. Go to your form settings
  2. Find the "Custom URL slug" field
  3. Enter your desired slug (lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens only)
  4. Click "Save" to update

Default URL:

https://forms.askusers.org/f/a1b2c3d4

Custom slug URL:

https://forms.askusers.org/f/contact-us

Note: Custom slugs must be unique across all forms in the system. If your desired slug is taken, you'll need to choose a different one.

QR codes

Generate and use QR codes

QR codes provide a convenient way to share forms in physical locations or printed materials. Users can scan the code with their mobile device camera to access your form instantly.

How to generate a QR code:

  1. Navigate to your form in the dashboard
  2. Click the "Share" button
  3. Enable public hosting if not already enabled
  4. The QR code will be automatically generated and displayed
  5. Click "Print QR" to print the QR code

Common use cases for QR codes:

Event signage

Display QR codes at events for feedback collection or registration

Product packaging

Include QR codes on packaging for warranty registration or feedback

Business cards

Add QR codes to business cards for contact forms

Print advertisements

Include in flyers, posters, and magazine ads

Restaurant tables

Table tents with QR codes for feedback or ordering

Receipts

Print QR codes on receipts for surveys or reviews

Best practice: When using QR codes, include a short URL beneath the code as a fallback for users who cannot scan QR codes or prefer to type the URL manually.

Email sharing

Sharing forms via email

Email is one of the most effective ways to share forms. Simply paste the form URL directly in your email to provide recipients with a link to fill out your form.

Sharing forms via email:

Copy your form URL and paste it into your email. Add context and a clear call-to-action to encourage recipients to click the link.

Example email text:

"We'd love your feedback! Please take 2 minutes to complete our form:
https://forms.askusers.org/f/feedback"

Best practice: When sending forms via email, personalize your message, explain why you're asking for feedback, and mention how long the form takes to complete. This significantly improves response rates.

Privacy considerations

Important privacy notes

  • Public forms are accessible to anyone: Anyone with the link can access public forms. Don't share sensitive information in public form URLs.
  • Internal forms require authentication: Mark forms as "internal" if they should only be accessible to authenticated users in your organization.
  • QR codes in public spaces: Be aware that QR codes on public displays can be scanned by anyone. Don't use them for sensitive or private forms.
  • Data collection notice: Always inform users what data you're collecting and how it will be used, especially for GDPR compliance.

Best practices

  • Use custom slugs for marketing campaigns: Create memorable, branded URLs for forms used in advertising or marketing materials.
  • Test links before sharing widely: Always test your form links to ensure they work correctly before distributing to your audience.
  • Include context when sharing: Explain why you're collecting information and what users can expect after submitting.
  • Use URL shorteners for long URLs: If your form URL is long, consider using a URL shortener for easier sharing in print or social media.
  • Track sharing sources: Use UTM parameters in your form URLs to track which sharing channels drive the most responses.
  • Optimize for mobile: Most users will access forms on mobile devices. Ensure your form is mobile-friendly before sharing.
  • Set expiration dates: For time-sensitive forms, communicate clear deadlines when sharing to encourage timely responses.