PHP Code to Insert cForms in Page Template

Blog•on January 8th, 2011•2 Comments

If you would like to insert a cForms form into your WordPress website without using the TinyMCE or Widget function, you can do so by inserting this code in your template:

<?php insert_cform('Default'); ?>

Replace ‘Default’ with the name given to your form.

Allow Users to Access cForms Records

Blog•on October 20th, 2010•2 Comments

I use cForms on a number of my websites as my go-to form application. I create everything from rental forms, registration forms, and contact forms.

Oftentimes, my clients want access to the information that users are entering into the online forms. I have found that the email function has not always been reliable. So, I have moved to saving everything to the database. So my clients want to be able to access this database to see who has signed up or contacted them.

Here is a way to set this up for your client:

  1. After installing cForms to your WordPress-based website, go to cForms ‘Global Settings’ within the menu area.
  2. You will see one option at the bottom for ‘Database Input Tracking.’  Expand that area.
  3. Check the box to enable database tracking.  This will create an area in your database where all cForms user inputs will be stored.
  4. Also, check ‘enable global rss.’  This is a great feature that sets up an RSS feed for when someone fills out your form.
  5. You can provide this RSS feed to your client who can add that to any RSS reader they use.  They will then see every time information is added.
  6. The next step is to add the ‘Capability Manager’ plugin to your WordPress website.
  7. Create a user profile for your client.  If they will not be making content updates to the website, I recommend added them as a ‘Subscriber’ so that they don’t have access to areas where they could mistakenly delete website content.
  8. Now, under the Users menu, choose the ‘Capabilities’ option.
  9. Make sure you are making changes to the ‘Subscriber Level’ and check the box for ‘Track cForms.’
  10. Now, your client has access to view records in the database.
  11. My suggestion here is to provide your client with the RSS feed.  When your client sees a new entry, they can click on the entry and it will lead them to the WordPress sign in page.  They enter their username & password that you have set up and they have access to just the track cForms area.  They can download all information into a .csv file or view individual records.
  12. Just make sure they know that they are able to delete fields when they track cForms and so to be careful.

Another suggestion is to use a Database Backup plugin (WordPress Database Backup is my favorite) that emails a DB backup every hour, day, or week to your attention.  You will need to choose to have all cForms data included in that backup.  This way, you will have a backup of anyone who has ever filled out a form on your website.  And plus, you need to be backing up your database anyway.

If you have any questions about this process, send me a comment in the box below and be sure to check the box to be included on any subsequent comments.