Conditional logic forms are dynamic forms that adjust in real time based on user input. Instead of displaying all fields at once, they use predefined rules to show, hide, or modify questions as needed.
Suppose you're filling out an online pizza order form. The form asks, "Do you want extra toppings?" If you select "Yes," - options for pepperoni, mushrooms, and extra cheese appear. If you select "No," those fields stay hidden, and you move on to the next step.
Rather than scrolling past irrelevant questions, we only see what is important to us. This makes the form-filling process more intuitive and personalized, helping users complete forms more quickly.
Improved user experience: Because static forms present all questions upfront, they can feel overwhelming. Conditional logic simplifies the process by hiding unnecessary sections and creating a smoother user experience.
Higher completion rates: Long, cluttered forms often lead to users abandoning them midway. By only showing what’s necessary, users are more likely to finish filling out the form.
More accurate data: Static forms rely on users to determine which fields they should complete, increasing the risk of mistakes. Guiding users through a structured flow ensures they provide the correct information and reduces errors.
Whether it's signing up for a service or applying for a job, conditional logic helps streamline the process by guiding users through a tailored set of questions. Here are some common examples.
Onboarding & quote request forms: Many insurance and subscription-based services use conditional logic to personalize onboarding and quote requests. For example, Lemonade's insurance form first asks users to select their coverage type—home, renters, pet, or car insurance. Depending on their choice, the form dynamically updates, asking only relevant follow-up questions and providing a customized price estimate.
Job application forms: Many hiring platforms, like LinkedIn or Indeed, use conditional logic to keep applications concise. For example, if an applicant selects "Yes" for "Do you have previous work experience?" fields will appear to enter the job history. If they select "No," the form skips directly to education details.
Customer support forms: Support forms often adjust based on the nature of the inquiry. Public Goods' support form, for instance, changes its fields dynamically based on the selected issue type. When users toggle through the dropdown menu, the form updates by renaming fields, adding specific input areas, or hiding irrelevant questions.
Event registration forms – Platforms like Eventbrite customize registration forms based on attendee type. If a registrant selects "VIP Ticket," the form might ask for meal preferences or exclusive session choices, while a "General Admission" attendee skips those fields.
Conditional logic typically works using logical operators like "AND," "OR," and "NOT" to define rules that adjust the form dynamically.
Suppose you're filling out a travel visa application form:
With "AND" logic, a new field appears only if both conditions are met.
If you select "Yes" for work AND "Yes" for staying over 30 days, the form displays: "Upload your work permit document." AND logic is especially useful in complex forms where multiple factors influence what information is needed, reducing errors and making the process more intuitive.
Show/hide logic
This logic controls the visibility of individual fields based on user responses. For example, in an online checkout form, a "Shipping Address" field can remain hidden until the user selects "Ship to a different address?"
Skip logic (Branching)
Skip logic directs users to different parts of a form based on their answers. Unlike show/hide logic, which controls individual fields, skip logic determines which sections or pages a user sees. For example, in an insurance quote form, if a user answers "No" to "Do you own a car?", they can bypass vehicle-related questions and go straight to home insurance options. This is especially useful in multi-step forms or when certain responses make entire sections unnecessary.
Enable/disable logic
Enable/disable logic lets you control when a form field is active or required based on a user’s response. This is useful when certain fields should only be filled out under specific conditions.
Custom Thank-you pages
Thank-you pages are a common feature in forms and surveys, acknowledging respondents for their time while also serving as an opportunity for further engagement. With conditional logic, you can take them a step further by personalizing the experience based on user input. For example, after submitting a form, a user could be:
Suppose you’re organizing a conference with both in-person and virtual attendance options. When a user completes the registration form, you want to customize the thank-you page based on their selected ticket type.
If they choose "In-Person Ticket", you can customise the thank-you page to provide venue details, a downloadable schedule, and travel recommendations. This way, users receive the most relevant follow-up action.
Custom notifications
Custom notifications let you decide who receives an email based on form responses- and even tailor the message to match. This makes them especially useful for both internal request forms and external contact forms, ensuring the right person gets the right information.
For example, a website contact form can direct inquiries to the right team. A new prospect selecting "Sales" would trigger a notification to the sales team, while an existing customer choosing "Support" would send their request to customer service.
Pre-filled or dynamic fields
Dynamic fields automatically populate with known information to streamline form filling. This can be done using previous responses or external data sources.
For example, in an event registration form, entering an email address could auto-fill the user's name and company details if they have registered before. URL parameters can also be used to pre-fill fields, such as personalizing a feedback form with a customer's name when sent via email.
Calculation-based logic
Calculation-based logic allows forms to process real-time calculations based on user input, enhancing both accuracy and interactivity.
For example, in a loan application form, entering a loan amount, interest rate, and repayment term can instantly generate an estimated monthly payment. Forms use hidden fields or variables to perform background calculations, only displaying the final result to the user.
This type of logic is widely used in pricing estimators, cost calculators, and quiz scoring systems, helping users get instant, personalized results without manual calculations.
Open QuestionScout
Log in to your QuestionScout account or sign up here. Once you're in, click "New Form" to start building your form. You can either choose a pre-designed template or start from scratch. Let’s go with "Start from Scratch" in the "Traditional Format".
Add form elements
To add elements, click the "Add" button, which is highlighted by default when you create a new form. Use the title field to describe your form. You can configure the element settings on the right side.
To enable Logic, your form needs to have at least one of the following fields present:
Enable logic
Here’s a simple example of how conditional logic works: Let's add two Single Choice questions:
We want the second question to appear only when the user selects "Soft Serve" in the first question. Click on the "How would you like your ice cream?" question. Go to the Logic Tab and click "Add element" to set the trigger.
Set the rule as:
Test your logic
Now, when a user selects "Soft Serve", the second question appears. If they choose any other option, the second question stays hidden.
Explore more
You can add more rules using AND, OR, and NOT logic for advanced conditions. Check out pre-built templates for examples of complex rules and calculations- many are already set up and ready to use!
Keep it simple: Overcomplicating conditional logic can make forms confusing. Focus on improving the user experience by only displaying relevant fields and minimizing unnecessary steps.
Be careful with required fields: If a required field is conditionally hidden, it shouldn’t block form submission. Plan your form structure carefully and ensure all user paths make sense.
Use descriptive field names: When setting up conditional logic, clear and descriptive field names make it easier to select the right fields and understand the form's structure at a glance. This is particularly helpful when revisiting the form for edits or updates.
Test for smooth functionality: Always verify that conditional rules work as expected. Before finalizing your form, test it with real users from your target audience. This helps identify potential issues in the logic flow and ensures a smooth experience.
Prioritize mobile-friendliness: Ensure that forms function smoothly on all devices. Hidden fields should collapse neatly, and conditional logic should not cause excessive scrolling or slow down the user experience.
Document your logic: For complex forms with multiple conditions, keeping a documented flow of logic can be invaluable. Naming conditional sections clearly helps with troubleshooting, future updates, and collaboration with your team.
Show a progress bar: For long forms with multiple steps, a progress bar helps users see where they are in the process, reducing frustration and drop-offs.
Choose an appropriate form-builder
When selecting a form builder, ensure it has a user-friendly interface and meets your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider:
By evaluating these factors, you can find a form builder that aligns with your requirements.
