Easy Email Sending from HTML Contact Form: No Backend Required

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Understanding Form Submission
3. Method 1: Using Form Submit
   1. Setting up the Action and Method
   2. Activating the Email
   3. Testing the Form Submission
4. Method 2: Using Formspree
   1. Creating an Account and a Form
   2. Enabling Google reCAPTCHA
   3. Integrating the Formspree Link
   4. Testing the Form Submission
5. Pros and Cons
6. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss how to allow form submission or integrate form submission on your website using only HTML. We will explore two methods to achieve this goal: using Form Submit and Formspree. Both methods are beginner-friendly and require no backend language or coding. By following the step-by-step instructions provided, you will be able to receive form submissions directly to your email and enhance the functionality of your website.

Understanding Form Submission

Before diving into the methods, let's understand the concept of form submission. A form submission refers to the process of extracting user input from web forms and transmitting it to a designated destination. This destination can be an email address, a database, or any other desired location where the information can be stored or processed. Form submissions are commonly used for contact forms, feedback forms, surveys, and more.

Method 1: Using Form Submit

Form Submit is an online service that enables form submission integration without the need for backend programming. Here's how you can use Form Submit to allow form submission on your website.

1. Setting up the Action and Method

To begin, create an HTML file with a form containing the necessary fields (e.g., name, email, message). Assign a unique name attribute to each field to identify them during form submission. Next, visit the Form Submit website and copy the action URL and method provided. Paste this information into your form's action and method attributes, respectively. This will define where the form data should be sent and the HTTP method to be used.

2. Activating the Email

To ensure you receive the form submissions via email, navigate to the Form Submit website and click on the "Email Link" option. Enter the email address where you want to receive the form submissions and follow the email verification process. Once verified, your form will be activated, and you will receive a confirmation message.

3. Testing the Form Submission

After activating your form, you can test the form submission functionality. Fill out the form fields with valid information and click the submit button. The form data will be sent to the specified email address. Verify that you have received the email containing the form submission details, including the name, email, and message.

Method 2: Using Formspree

Formspree is another straightforward method to integrate form submission on your website. It offers additional features such as Google reCAPTCHA for added security. Here's how you can use Formspree to enable form submission.

1. Creating an Account and a Form

Start by visiting the Formspree website and creating an account. Once logged in, create a new form by giving it a name that describes its purpose (e.g., Contact Form).

2. Enabling Google reCAPTCHA

To increase the security of your form, navigate to the settings section in Formspree. Enable the Google reCAPTCHA option and follow the provided instructions to set it up. This will protect your form from spam and ensure that only human users can submit the form.

3. Integrating the Formspree Link

After configuring the settings, go to the integration section and copy the provided link. Replace the action attribute of your form with this link. This will establish the connection between your form and Formspree, allowing form submissions to be sent to your email.

4. Testing the Form Submission

To test the form submission, fill out the form fields with valid information and successfully pass the Google reCAPTCHA verification. Submit the form, and you should receive an email with the form submission details. Check that the received email contains the correct name, email, and message information.

Pros and Cons

Using either Form Submit or Formspree has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at them:

Pros of Using Form Submit:

• Simple and easy to use for beginners.
• Does not require any backend programming or server setup.
• Allows quick integration of form submission without relying on additional services.

Cons of Using Form Submit:

• Limited customization options compared to server-side solutions.
• Relies completely on external services, which may have limitations or potential downtime.

Pros of Using Formspree:

• Offers spam protection with Google reCAPTCHA.
• Provides a user-friendly interface for managing form submissions.
• Allows customization options, such as redirecting users to a thank you page.

Cons of Using Formspree:

• The free plan has limitations on the number of submissions and features available.
• Requires a separate setup process for enabling reCAPTCHA.

Conclusion

Congratulations! By following the steps outlined in this article, you have successfully learned how to allow form submission on your website using Form Submit and Formspree. Both methods offer a simple way to receive form submissions directly to your email without the need for complex backend programming. Choose the method that best suits your needs and website requirements. Enhance the functionality of your website and improve user engagement by implementing a contact form or any other form submission feature.

Highlights

• Two methods to allow form submission on your website using only HTML.
• Form Submit: A straightforward integration method without backend programming.
• Formspree: Offers additional features like Google reCAPTCHA for added security.
• Pros and cons of using Form Submit and Formspree.
• Enhance the functionality of your website with form submission capabilities.

FAQ

Q: Can I use these methods with any website? A: Yes, you can use these methods with any website that supports HTML forms.

Q: Do I need to know programming to integrate form submission using these methods? A: No, both methods are beginner-friendly and do not require advanced programming knowledge.

Q: Are there any limitations with the free plans of Form Submit and Formspree? A: Yes, the free plans may have limitations on the number of submissions and features available. However, paid plans are available with more extensive capabilities.

Q: Can I customize the appearance of the form using these methods? A: While these methods focus on form submission integration, you can customize the form's appearance using CSS or HTML styling techniques.

Q: Are the form submissions secure with these methods? A: Yes, both methods ensure the security of form submissions. Formspree offers additional protection with Google reCAPTCHA to prevent spam submissions.