You can continue later

Save and Continue Later: A Convenient Feature for Form Completion

In today's fast-paced digital world, the ability to save progress and continue later has become an essential feature for online forms and surveys. This functionality, often referred to as "Save and Continue Later" or "Autofill," allows users to pause their form-filling process and return at a more convenient time. Let's explore how this feature works and its benefits for both form creators and users.

How It Works

The Save and Continue Later feature typically adds a "Save" button to online forms. When users click this button, they're presented with options to save their progress:

1. Sign up or log in to an account
2. Copy a unique draft link
3. Send the draft link to their email address

This flexibility ensures that users can choose the most convenient method for their situation.

Benefits for Users

1. Convenience: Users can complete lengthy forms or surveys at their own pace, without the pressure of finishing in one sitting.

2. Time Management: Ideal for complex forms that require gathering information from multiple sources.

3. Reduced Frustration: Eliminates the risk of losing progress due to unexpected interruptions or technical issues.

4. Improved Accuracy: Allows users to review and refine their responses before final submission.

Advantages for Form Creators

1. Higher Completion Rates: By reducing abandonment, this feature can significantly increase the number of completed submissions.

2. Better Data Quality: Users who can take their time are more likely to provide thoughtful, accurate responses.

3. Enhanced User Experience: Demonstrates consideration for users' time and circumstances, potentially improving brand perception.

Implementation Examples

Jotform, a popular online form builder, offers robust Save and Continue Later functionality. Their implementation includes:

• Automatic saving of responses on each page for multi-page forms
• Autofill for completed fields when users return
• Options to email users a link to their incomplete submission or provide a session URL on the same web page (Jotform Save and Continue Later)

Customization Options

Form creators can often customize various aspects of the Save and Continue Later feature:

1. Button Text: Modify the label on the save button to match the form's style or purpose.

2. Email Templates: Customize the message sent to users when they choose to save their progress via email.

3. User Interface: Adjust the appearance of the save dialog to align with branding or design preferences.

Considerations for Mobile Users

As mobile device usage continues to grow, it's crucial to ensure that the Save and Continue Later feature works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets. Many form builders, including Jotform, have adapted their functionality to work well on mobile platforms, allowing users to save and resume their progress regardless of the device they're using.

Best Practices for Implementation

1. Clear Instructions: Provide users with clear guidance on how to use the Save and Continue Later feature.

2. Prominent Placement: Make the save button easily visible and accessible throughout the form.

3. Security Measures: Implement appropriate security protocols to protect saved user data.

4. Expiration Policies: Consider setting reasonable expiration dates for saved drafts to manage server resources.

5. Progress Indicators: Include visual cues that show users how much of the form they've completed and how much remains.

Conclusion

The Save and Continue Later feature has become an indispensable tool in the world of online forms and surveys. By offering users the flexibility to complete forms at their own pace, it enhances user experience, improves data quality, and increases completion rates. As digital interactions continue to evolve, we can expect this feature to become even more sophisticated, further bridging the gap between user convenience and data collection efficiency.

Jotform Save and Continue Later Jotform Help Center - Enable Autofill on Forms