Ray's Contact Form
Creating Multi-Column Layouts
Multi-column layouts allow you to place fields side by side instead of stacking them vertically.
This is useful when you want to:
- Create compact forms
- Place First Name and Last Name on the same row
- Group related fields
- Improve visual balance
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create 2-column and 3-column layouts.
Understanding Column Width
Each field has a Column Width setting inside Field Settings.
By default, fields use Full Width (100%), which means they take the entire row.
To place fields side by side, you change their width.
For example:
- 50% width + 50% width = two fields on one row
- 33% width + 33% width + 33% width = three fields on one row
Creating a Two-Column Layout
Let’s create a common example: First Name and Last Name side by side.
Step 1: Add Two Text Fields
- Go to Basic Fields.
- Click Text twice.
- Rename them:
- First Name
- Last Name
Step 2: Set Column Width to 50%
For the First Name field:
- Click the field in the Structure tab.
- Go to Field Settings.
- Find the Column Width option.
- Select 50%.
Repeat the same for the Last Name field.
Both fields will now appear side by side in the preview.
Creating a Three-Column Layout
Let’s create three fields on one row.
Example:
City – State – ZIP Code
Step 1: Add Three Fields
Add three fields from Basic Fields (Text or Number).
Rename them accordingly.
Step 2: Set Column Width to 33%
For each field:
- Open Field Settings.
- Set Column Width to 33%.
All three fields will now appear on the same row.
Mixing Column Widths
You are not limited to equal columns.
You can mix widths for custom layouts.
Example:
- 70% width for a large field
- 30% width for a small field
Or:
- 50% + 25% + 25%
As long as the total does not exceed 100%, fields will align properly on the same row.
Responsive Behavior
On smaller screens (mobile devices):
- Multi-column layouts automatically stack vertically.
- This ensures your form remains easy to use.
You do not need to configure mobile behavior separately.
Best Practices for Multi-Column Layouts
✔ Use columns for related fields
✔ Keep forms visually balanced
✔ Avoid placing too many small fields in one row
✔ Always test the preview before publishing
Good examples:
- First Name / Last Name
- City / State / ZIP
- Start Date / End Date
Avoid:
- Long message fields in narrow columns
- More than three columns in most cases
Common Mistakes
Fields Wrapping to the Next Line
If a field moves to the next row:
- Make sure total width does not exceed 100%.
For example:
50% + 50% + 50% will push the third field down.
Uneven Spacing
If spacing looks off:
- Double-check column width settings.
- Ensure all fields on the same row use compatible percentages.
Example: Complete Contact Form Layout
Here’s a practical layout you can try:
Row 1:
- First Name (50%)
- Last Name (50%)
Row 2:
- Email (100%)
Row 3:
- Phone (50%)
- Subject (50%)
Row 4:
- Message (100%)
This creates a professional, balanced contact form.
Saving Your Layout
After adjusting column widths:
- Review the live preview.
- Click Save Form.
Your multi-column layout is now ready.
What to Learn Next
Now that you understand layout control, you may want to explore:
- Using Conditional Logic
- Customizing Form Width
- Editing Email Notifications
- Using Advanced Fields
Documentation
- Getting Started
- Creating Your First Form
- Understanding the Form Builder Interface
- Creating Multi-Column Layouts
- Using Conditional Logic
- Email Notifications Setup
- Managing & Viewing Submissions
- Exporting Submissions to CSV
- Form Settings – Complete Guide
- Upgrade to Pro
- Basic Fields – Complete Guide
- Advanced Fields – Complete Guide
- Field Settings – Complete Guide
- Spam Protection & Security
- Shortcodes & Embedding Forms