Boring, one-size-fits-all forms are everywhere. But if you want people to actually finish your form (and not just bail halfway through), you need to make it smart—showing only what matters, when it matters. That’s where conditional logic comes in. If you’re using Paperform, you’ve got a solid toolkit for this, but the options can feel overwhelming at first.
This guide is for anyone who wants to stop annoying users with irrelevant questions and start building forms that feel, well, human. Whether you’re making a client intake form, a simple quiz, or a complex registration flow, I’ll show you exactly how to use conditional logic in Paperform—without the fluff.
Why Conditional Logic Makes Forms Better (and Where It Goes Wrong)
Before diving in, let’s be clear about what conditional logic is: you show or hide questions (or even whole sections) based on how users answer earlier ones. Done right, it keeps your form short, focused, and relevant.
But here’s where people mess up: - They add too many branches and end up confusing themselves (and their users). - They try to get clever and nest logic inside logic inside logic. Don’t. - They forget to test, and users get stuck.
Keep it simple. Only use conditional logic when it actually improves the experience—like skipping irrelevant questions, showing help text, or collecting details only when needed.
Step 1: Sketch Out Your Form Logic First
Don’t open Paperform yet. Grab a piece of paper, a doc, or a whiteboard. Map out your form. Ask: - What questions are always shown? - What questions should only appear based on previous answers? - Are there sections that only matter for certain users?
Example: If you’re asking “Do you have dietary restrictions?” and only want to show a follow-up if they say yes, note that down.
Pro tip: If your logic tree looks like spaghetti, simplify. Most forms don’t need more than 2-3 layers of conditional logic.
Step 2: Build Your Base Form in Paperform
Now, head into Paperform and start with a blank form (or template, if you prefer). Don’t worry about logic yet—just get all your questions in place.
- Add every question you might want, even the ones that’ll be hidden later.
- For multi-step forms, set up your pages/sections now.
- Use clear, simple question wording—conditional logic doesn’t fix vague questions.
What to ignore: Fancy design stuff for now. Get the bones right first.
Step 3: Add Conditional Logic Rules
Here’s where you make the form smart.
Showing or Hiding Questions
- Click on the question you want to show/hide conditionally.
- In the settings sidebar, find the “Visibility Logic” or “Logic” (naming may change, but it’s obvious).
- Set up your rule—e.g., “Show this question if ‘Do you have dietary restrictions?’ is answered ‘Yes’”.
You can stack rules if needed, but don’t overdo it. If you need more than a handful, reconsider your form structure.
Conditional Sections or Pages
- Click the section or page break.
- Find logic options in the sidebar.
- Set conditions just like you do for questions.
Heads up: If you hide a section, all its questions are skipped—even required ones. Good for not annoying users; bad if you forget and hide something essential.
Step 4: Test It Like a User
This is where most people skimp. Don’t.
- Use Paperform’s preview/test mode.
- Try every path—answering “Yes,” then “No,” skipping around, etc.
- Watch for dead ends (“Why can’t I progress?”) or questions that appear/disappear unexpectedly.
Pro tip: Ask someone else to run through it. You’ll spot stuff you missed.
Step 5: Refine and Simplify
If you find yourself with a wall of logic rules, step back. Ask: - Can I combine questions? - Are there paths that nobody will ever take? - Is it clear to the user why something appears or disappears?
Delete or merge anything that’s just adding noise.
Step 6: Tweak for User Experience (Optional, but Worth It)
Conditional logic isn’t just about hiding stuff. Here’s what actually works:
- Custom messages: Add info text or hints that only show up if needed. Example: If someone selects a complicated product, pop up a little guide.
- Redirects: Use logic to send people to different “Thank You” pages based on answers.
- Calculations: Show totals or pricing only if users fill out certain options.
What to skip: Overly flashy animations or transitions. They slow things down and sometimes break on mobile.
Step 7: Launch—and Watch Real Users
Once you’re happy, publish the form. But don’t set it and forget it.
- Check completion rates. If people are dropping out, look for logic bottlenecks.
- Read user feedback. If folks are confused, the logic is probably too complex.
- Make small tweaks—one at a time—so you know what actually helps.
Pro tip: Less is more. Fewer, more relevant questions nearly always beat a giant, branching monster.
Caveats, Gotchas, and What Paperform Can’t Do
Let’s be honest: conditional logic in Paperform is powerful, but not magic.
- You can’t do full-blown “if/then/else” programming. Logic is based on simple rules, not scripts. If you need crazy custom flows, you might outgrow Paperform.
- Testing is on you. Paperform won’t warn you if your logic gets tangled.
- Performance: Massive forms with dozens of logic rules can get sluggish—especially on slow devices. Keep things tight.
Cheatsheet: Common Conditional Logic Setups
- Show a follow-up question: “Show if previous answer is X.”
- Hide a section for some users: “Hide if previous answer is Y.”
- Require extra info only if needed: Mark a question as “required” but only show it with logic.
- Swap out entire pages: Use logic on page breaks to create “branching” experiences.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Iterate Often
Conditional logic is great—until it isn’t. The best forms are short, relevant, and easy to finish. Start simple, add logic only where it makes a real difference, and always test with real users. If you’re not sure you need a rule, you probably don’t.
Remember: The goal isn’t to show off how many branches you can build. It’s to help people get through your form, pain-free. That’s what actually improves user experience.
Happy building.