Glossary of Terms
Key terms and definitions used in FluidForms
This glossary provides definitions for key terms and concepts used throughout the FluidForms documentation and platform.
Core Concepts
FluidForms
An AI-powered data collection platform that transforms traditional forms into intelligent, adaptive experiences using various interaction modes.
Form Schema
The JSON structure that defines the entire layout, content, and logic of a FluidForms form. It consists of an array of BlockNoteJS blocks, including custom blocks for sections, fields, and AI instructions.
Block
The fundamental building unit of a FluidForms form. Blocks can be standard content elements (like headings, paragraphs, lists) or custom FluidForms elements (like sections, fields, or AI instructions).
Section
A top-level block that divides a form into logical steps or pages. Users progress through sections one at a time. Each section has a name and a mode.
Mode
A property of a section block that defines how the section renders and processes user input. FluidForms supports four modes:
- Standard Mode: Traditional form layout where users fill fields manually. Best for structured data.
- Interview Mode: AI-driven conversation that probes users for complete and nuanced information. Best for open-ended questions.
- Autofill Mode: AI automatically extracts and structures data from user inputs. Best for data extraction from unstructured text.
- Thank You Mode: The final section displayed after a form submission, typically containing a confirmation message. Every form must have one.
Form Fields
Field
An interactive input element within a form that collects specific pieces of information from the user.
Field Type
The specific kind of input a field accepts (e.g., Text Input, Multiple Choice, Date Picker, Number Field, Phone Input, JSON Schema Form Field).
Field Label
The user-visible question or prompt associated with a form field. This is what the user sees and responds to.
Field Name
A unique identifier for a form field, used internally for referencing its value in Liquid templates and for data storage. By default, it's auto-generated from the field label, but it can be explicitly set.
Properties Panel
The user interface element within the FluidForms editor where you configure the specific attributes and behaviors (e.g., required, minimum, maximum, hidden, value) of a selected block or field.
JSON Schema Form Field
An advanced field type that allows for highly complex and dynamic data structures using arbitrary JSON Schema and UI Schema definitions. Used when simpler field types are insufficient.
Logic & Templating
Liquid Templating
A templating language used in FluidForms to create dynamic content, perform calculations, and implement conditional logic within forms.
Output Expressions ({{ }})
Liquid markup used to display or insert dynamic values into the form. The result is rendered directly to the user.
Tags ({% %})
Liquid markup used to control flow and logic (e.g., if/else statements, for loops, variable assignments). These do not directly render output.
Field Variables
All submitted data from form fields is accessible directly by the field name (e.g., {{ email }}).
AI Instructions (context block)
A special block type that provides background information and guidelines to the AI when a section is operating in Interview or Autofill mode. It is not visible to end users.
Conditional Logic
The ability to change the form's behavior (e.g., showing/hiding fields, navigating to different sections, changing values) based on user input or other dynamic conditions, typically implemented using Liquid templating.
Integrations
Webhook
An automated message sent from FluidForms to a specified URL when a form is submitted. Used to connect FluidForms with external systems in real-time. Webhooks enable integration with thousands of apps and services.
Email Notification
An automated email sent to specified recipients when a form is submitted. Useful for keeping teams informed without requiring additional tools or integrations.
Automation Platform
Third-party services like Zapier, Make.com, or n8n that act as bridges between FluidForms and other applications, enabling complex multi-step workflows without code. These platforms expand FluidForms' integration capabilities to thousands of apps.
Integration
A connection between FluidForms and another service or application, enabling automated data flow and workflow automation. FluidForms supports integrations via webhooks, email notifications, and automation platforms.
AI & Automation
Context Block
A special block type used in AI Interview sections. It contains the instructions (persona, goal, knowledge) that guide the AI agent during the conversation.
AI Instructions
See Context Block.
Editor Interface
Slash Menu
The menu that appears when you type / in the editor. It allows you to quickly insert any type of block (fields, headings, sections, etc.).
Side Menu
The menu that appears when you hover over the left side of a block (represented by a + icon and a ⋮⋮ drag handle). It allows you to add blocks, move them, or access block options.
