Ever wondered what you can do with a WordPress datepicker form? We’ve put together a guide to show you its full potential for any website you use it on!
A feature as simple as a datepicker in WordPress can make filling out forms much easier. Giving users a popup calendar helps them find the right date more quickly and avoids any date format confusion.
And luckily, adding an interactive calendar is simple. You can create a perfect WordPress contact form with a datepicker using the right tools.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the benefits of using a date selector and show you step-by-step how to add one to your forms.
Let’s get started!
Why add a WordPress datepicker form to your website?
A datepicker is a small, interactive calendar that makes it easy for users to select a date and time range or a single date. Many people find it easier to navigate since it’s a calendar and not a text box. This is very important if you rely on forms to run your business.
For example, if you have an appointment booking form, you'll want users to select their preferred dates easily. A WordPress datepicker form is an effective way to help them do that.
Also, datepickers can make your form more dynamic and interactive. In other words, it's smart to keep your audience engaged when filling out forms with boring, predictable fields like birthdays or appointments.
All of these factors make inline calendars a flexible way to improve your site's user experience (UX). This is another way businesses can make their customers happy through better service!
How to create a WordPress form with a datepicker calendar
Here’s how to create a form with a calendar in three steps. If you’re new to the concept, consider checking out our age calculator form for a datepicker demo before you start.
Step 1: Install Formidable Forms on your site
Let’s start with the basics. You’ll need our Formidable Forms plugin for this walkthrough.
If you don't already have a Business or Elite plan, pick yours up by clicking below.
Once you've got our WordPress form maker, go ahead and install and activate the plugin on your website.
Next, go to Formidable → Add-Ons and find the Datepicker Options add-on. Click the blue button to Install and then Activate it.
Now that your plugin is all setup, it's time to move on to step two!
Step 2: Create a form with a basic inline calendar datepicker
We’ll start by making a basic form. Go to Formidable → Forms → Add New.
You might want to start with a form template. These come pre-loaded with fields to make your job a little bit easier. For example, you might want to use a template to create an order form.
Inside the form builder, you can choose which input fields to include.
For the datepicker, locate the Date option in the left-hand menu. This is your datepicker field to make it easy for users to input dates. Then, you can drag and drop it onto the right side of the screen.
The date field looks like a text box, but don't worry. This will show up as a calendar to users on the front end.
Let’s dive into the different date/time picker field options.
- Default Value (Date calculation) - clicking the calculator icon lets you create a date calculator
- Year Range - the period that users can select from
- Calendar Localization - a dropdown menu that lets you choose the language of your calendar
- Set specific minimum and maximum dates - allows you to set a more specific date range, rather than just the year (great for event registration forms or other booking forms where you want to disable past dates or disable specific dates)
- Days of the week - this specifies which days of the week are available on your calendar
- Blackout Dates - specific dates when you aren't available (ideal for vacations, holidays, or previous dates)
- Display Inline Date Picker - checking this box will automatically show the calendar or datepicker with selectable dates, so users don’t have to click on the field to see the options
These options can help you design datepicker forms that perfectly fit your needs.
Step 3: Publish your form
Once you're happy with your form, click Update in the upper right corner of your screen to save your changes.
Finally, go to the WordPress post or page where you want to display your form. Add the Formidable Forms block, and pick your form from the form dropdown menu. Then Update or Publish the page.
And that's it! Your datepicker form is now online!
Ready to add an inline calendar to your forms?
When it comes to setting up datepicker forms, you want a tool that’s flexible and powerful enough to meet your needs. Whether its event or reservation forms, you can quickly and easily create them with Formidable. (Psst, you can even calculate the difference between two dates!)
But adding effective inline calendars is only a fraction of what Formidable Forms can help you do. Learn more about our other great online form features and pick up our form maker plugin today!
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