Create a multi-step application form

An application usually combines contact details, longer answers, files, and consent. Use multiple steps to group the work and store submissions when authorized reviewers need a secure WordPress-side record.

Plan four stages

1. Applicant details
2. Application questions
3. Supporting files
4. Review and consent

Define the retention period and reviewer access before requesting documents.

Build the layout

1. Open Forms → Add New and enter an application-specific title.
2. In Builder, add four labeled steps.
3. Add Text, Email, and Phone fields to applicant details.
4. Add Textarea, choice, Number, or Date fields required by the application.
5. Add a File Upload field for approved document types, or Google Drive Upload when files must go to Drive.
6. Add separate required acknowledgements where necessary.
7. Add the final Submit Button.
8. Configure responsive column widths and save.

Local File and Audio fields require submission storage and Store Uploaded Files.

Configure processing

1. Under Storage/Advanced, enable storage and set the approved retention.
2. Under Notifications, notify the review team without attaching uploads unless email delivery is required.
3. Add a client acknowledgement using the applicant’s Email field.
4. Under Messages/Behavior, configure step indicators, clear navigation labels, and a success message with the next step.
5. Enable reCAPTCHA for a public application when site keys are configured.

If the workflow creates a WordPress entry, use Create Post, map only reviewed fields, and select Draft or Pending Review.

Test the full application

Verify:

• Back and Continue preserve values.
• Each step blocks only on visible required fields.
• Conditional branches remove hidden answers.
• A permitted file succeeds and prohibited files fail.
• The reviewer receives the right route.
• The stored submission and file are visible only to an authorized account.
• The applicant acknowledgement contains no unnecessary personal details.

Do not publish until the organization has a process for submissions that arrive when email or an external integration is unavailable.