How to build data input forms in Bubble

The simplest way to build data‑input forms in Bubble is to drag input elements onto the page, set their content format, then create a workflow on a button that uses the action Make changes to a thing or Create a new thing and fills each field with “Input’s value.” That’s the core: inputs on the page, and a workflow that saves those inputs into the database.

What a form is in Bubble

A form is just a group of elements like Input, Dropdown, Checkbox, and a Button that triggers a workflow. Inputs don’t save anything by themselves; only workflows save data.

• Input element: User types text, numbers, email, etc.
• Content format: Tells Bubble what type of data you expect.
• Workflow action: Where saving actually happens.

How to create a simple “Create Item” form

• Drag an Input for fields like Name, Price, Description.
• Set each Input’s Content format (text, number, email, date).
• Add a Button like “Save.”
• Create a workflow on the button → Data (Things) → Create a new thing.
• Choose the data type (for example: Product).
• Fill each field with the corresponding “Input X’s value.”

// Example inside "Create a new thing"
Name = Input Name's value
Price = Input Price's value
Description = Input Description's value

How to build an “Edit Existing Item” form

• Put the page or group’s Type of content as the thing you’re editing.
• Set each input’s Initial content to “Parent group Product’s field.”
• Workflow on Save → Make changes to a thing → Thing = Parent group Product.
• Update each field with “Input’s value.”

Important details that beginners miss

• Required fields: Use “This input should not be empty.” Bubble prevents workflow firing until filled.
• Auto-binding: Lets inputs edit the database automatically, but only works when privacy rules allow it and only inside elements with a data source. Beginners should stick to manual workflows first.
• Validation: Use conditions like “When Input Email isn’t a valid email → show an alert.”
• Resetting a form: After save, use workflow action Reset inputs.

Connecting the form to the database

Your data type needs fields that match what your form asks for. If you create a field “price” as a Number, your Input must use the Number content format. Matching these prevents errors and makes saving smoother.

Follow this pattern and you’ll build clean, stable Bubble forms that save correctly, validate clearly, and are easy to extend later.