NestForms offline surveys is introducing a new function that gives form creators a more refined control over how form items are displayed in the app and how data is collected. The new Send to app but hide option allows you to send form data back to the admin account while keeping certain form items hidden from responders. This is especially useful for background calculations, internal data handling, and advanced form logic.
Understanding the Display-in-App Options
Currently, when adding a form item in NestForms, you can select from the following Display in App options:
- Display in app (default) – The form item is visible to responders in the app and included in the report.
- Don't send to app – The form item is not displayed in the app but appears in reports for administrative purposes.
Now, an additional option is being introduced for specific components:
- Send to app but hide – The form item remains hidden from responders but still sends data back to the admin account.
This feature is available for the following components:
- Multiple Answers (Checkboxes)
- Single Answer (Radio Buttons)
- Dropdown
- Number
- Calculate
This new setting is particularly useful for performing preliminary calculations, managing Custom DB fields, and streamlining form logic without displaying details to responders that may be unnecessary for their usage, but are required for the form administrator.
Practical Use Cases
1. Hiding Optional Elements in Custom DB
Imagine you are managing a Custom DB for a company that provides backup power products. Some devices may have different components. For example, where all devices contain backup batteries, some may also have a gas-powered hybrid generator. Instead of displaying extra questions to every responder, you can set up logic that only reveals specific generator-related questions when applicable.
How it Works:
- In Custom DB, create a column called Generator with values set to 0 (no generator) or 1 (has a generator).
- In Form builder, add a radio button question in your form called Generator Inspection, with values 0 (No) and 1 (Yes).
- Apply Skip logic so that generator-related questions appear only if the Generator value is 1.
- Use the Send to app but hide option on the Generator Inspection question.
This means the generator-related logic will function as intended, but responders won’t see the hidden trigger question—it works silently in the background, enhancing user experience while ensuring accurate data collection.
2. Using Hidden Calculations Without Custom DB
Sometimes, form creators want to perform calculations without revealing preliminary or incomplete results to responders. For example, in a project estimation form, multiple sections might calculate partial values, but you only want to show the final estimated total to the client.
How it Works:
- Set up calculations for each section of the form using the Calculate component.
- Use Send to app but hide on all partial calculation fields.
- Add a final calculated field on the last page called Rough Total, which sums up all hidden partial values.
- Include a note that the calculation is approximate and non-binding.
By using the Send to app but hide feature, technicians and clients will only see the total estimated value, without incomplete breakdowns. This keeps the form interface clean while ensuring the correct data is recorded in the admin account.
Why Use This Feature?
The Send to app but hide option adds a new level of flexibility and efficiency to your forms. Some key benefits include:
- Cleaner Form Design – Reduce unnecessary clutter by hiding internal calculations or logic-based triggers.
- More Accurate Data Handling – Perform background calculations without confusing responders with irrelevant fields.
- Better User Experience – Avoid overloading responders with complex form elements that only affect admin data.
- Enhanced Form Logic – Use Skip logic and calculated values seamlessly without affecting usability.
Get Started
This new feature will assist in many businesses and industries, for example, with Work Completion Forms, Job Completion Forms, Project Completion Reports, Project Tracking Forms and construction Snag List Forms. In the example outlined here the feature is perfect for Installation Forms.
Try it today and see how it can improve your data collection workflows!
Available Now on Android & iOS
Send to App but hide feature is now live on both Android and iOS devices. Try the NestForms Mobile Survey App today and simplify document management in your forms!
Check out the Question Settings help page for details of the many other options at your disposal within our GPS Survey App platform.
If you are new to the NestForms field service management software, feel free to try our free two week trial!
