Form Builder - Step-by-Step Guide

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Form Builder is where you design the data entry form for your template. This tutorial walks you through the complete process of building an effective form that supports your labeling workflow.

Watch the Tutorial

What is Form Builder?

Form Builder allows you to:

  • Add data entry fields to your template
  • Configure field properties and behavior
  • Organize fields in logical order
  • Prepare fields for use in Label Builder

Think of Form Builder as designing the "input" side—what users see and interact with before printing.

Accessing Form Builder

For New Templates

When creating a new template using the wizard:

  1. Select label type (slide or cassette)
  2. Choose counter type (copies or sequential)
  3. Name your template
  4. Form Builder opens automatically

For Existing Templates

To edit an existing template's form:

  1. Open the template
  2. Click Options → Customize Template
  3. Form Builder appears with current fields
Form Builder Interface

Form Builder Interface

Main Components

Left Side - Form Field List:

  • Shows all fields in your form
  • Drag to reorder fields
  • Click to edit properties

Right Side - Label Preview:

  • Shows how label will look
  • Updates as you add/modify fields
  • Displays sample data from fields

Top Bar - Add Field:

  • Button to add new fields
  • Opens field type selection

Bottom - Label Builder:

  • Button to open label design
  • Proceed here after form is complete

Building Your Form

Step 1: Plan Your Fields

Before adding fields, determine what data you need:

Essential data:

  • What identifies each specimen? (Case number, ID)
  • What varies per label? (Slide number, specimen letter)
  • What's optional but useful? (Date, tech, stain)

Example for Pathology Slides:

  • Case Number (required)
  • Specimen Letter (required)
  • Block ID (optional)
  • Slide Number (required, sequential)
  • Stain (required)
  • Date (optional)
  • Technician (optional)

Step 2: Add Fields

Click Add Field and select field type:

Text Field

For alphanumeric data.

Configure:

  • Field Name: "Case Number"
  • Sample Value: "S23-1234"
  • Max Length: 20
  • Locked: No (varies each time)
  • Repeat Last Data: No

Use for: Case numbers, patient names, descriptions

Numeric Field

For numbers only.

Configure:

  • Field Name: "Accession Number"
  • Sample Value: 12345
  • Auto-Increment: Yes (if sequential)
  • Leading Zeros: 5 digits
  • Locked: No

Use for: Accession numbers, counts, sequential IDs

For selecting from predefined options.

Configure:

  • Field Name: "Stain"
  • Options: H&E, Trichrome, PAS, GMS, etc.
  • Locked: No
  • Repeat Last Data: Yes

Use for: Stains, departments, technicians, protocols

Panels

For printing multiple labels with different values.

Configure:

  • Panel Name: "IHC Markers"
  • Selections: ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67
  • Result: 4 labels print, one for each marker

Use for: IHC panels, stain sets, test batteries

Sequential Letters

For A, B, C, etc.

Configure:

  • Field Name: "Specimen Letter"
  • Sample Value: "A"
  • Max Length: 2
  • Locked: No

Use for: Specimen identifiers, part letters

Sequential Numbers

For 1, 2, 3, etc.

Configure:

  • Field Name: "Slide Number"
  • Sample Value: 1
  • Leading Zeros: 2 digits (01, 02, etc.)
  • Locked: No

Use for: Slide numbers, section counts, levels

Step 3: Configure Each Field

After adding a field, configure its properties:

  1. Click the field in the list
  2. Set sample value (important for label preview!)
  3. Configure behavior (locked, repeat, etc.)
  4. Click Save

Sample Value Importance:

  • Used in Label Builder preview
  • Should represent typical data length
  • Helps visualize final label accurately

Step 4: Organize Field Order

Fields appear on the form in the order shown in Form Builder.

Best practice order:

  1. Most important fields first (case ID)
  2. Logical workflow sequence
  3. Variable fields before constants
  4. Related fields grouped together

To reorder:

  • Click and drag fields up or down
  • Test the workflow after reordering

Step 5: Test the Form

Before proceeding to Label Builder:

  1. Review field list
  2. Check sample values in preview
  3. Verify all needed fields are present
  4. Ensure field order makes sense

Common Form Configurations

Basic Pathology Slide

Fields:

  1. Case Number (Text)
  2. Specimen Letter (Sequential Letters or Dropdown)
  3. Block ID (Numeric)
  4. Slide Count (Sequential Numbers, From/To)
  5. Stain (Dropdown)

IHC Protocol

Fields:

  1. Case Number (Text)
  2. Specimen ID (Text)
  3. IHC Panel (Panels dropdown)
  4. Date (Text with Repeat Last Data)
  5. Technician (Dropdown)

Research Study

Fields:

  1. Study ID (Text, Locked)
  2. Subject Number (Numeric, Auto-increment)
  3. Visit Number (Numeric)
  4. Specimen Type (Dropdown)
  5. Collection Date (Text)
  6. Slide Count (Sequential Numbers)

Frozen Section

Fields:

  1. Case Number (Text)
  2. Part Letter (Sequential Letters)
  3. Time (Text with Repeat Last Data)
  4. Surgeon (Dropdown)
  5. Slide Count (Sequential Numbers)

Form Design Best Practices

Keep It Simple

  • Only add fields you actually need
  • Every field = another click
  • Simpler = faster workflow

Use Appropriate Field Types

  • Text for mixed alphanumeric
  • Numeric for numbers only
  • Dropdown for standardized selections
  • Don't use text for everything

Leverage Automation

  • Auto-increment for counters
  • Repeat Last Data for frequently repeated values
  • Locked fields for constants
  • Sequential options for numbering

Consider Your Users

  • Logical tab order
  • Clear field names
  • Familiar terminology
  • Minimal typing required

Plan for Growth

  • Room for future fields
  • Flexible enough for variations
  • Not so specific it can't adapt

Moving to Label Builder

Once your form is complete:

  1. Review all fields one final time
  2. Ensure sample values are realistic
  3. Click Label Builder button
  4. Proceed to design the label layout

Important: All form fields you add here will be available to place on your label in Label Builder.

Continue to Label Builder Tutorial →

Editing an Existing Form

To modify a form after creation:

  1. Open template
  2. Options → Customize Template
  3. Make changes:
  • Add new fields (Add Field)
  • Edit existing fields (click field)
  • Remove fields (select and delete)
  • Reorder fields (drag and drop)
  1. Click Save

Note: Removing a field also removes it from the label. You'll need to update Label Builder.

Common Questions

How many fields can I add?

No practical limit, but keep forms manageable (typically 5-12 fields).

Can I rename fields later?

Yes, edit the field and change Field Name.

What if I forget a field?

You can add it later in Customize Template.

Do I have to use all fields on the label?

No, you can add form fields but choose not to display them on the label.

Can I copy fields from another template?

Not directly, but you can export/import entire templates.

Need Help?

Questions about Form Builder?