How to Save Multiple Completed Forms on an iPad
Question details
The user needs a method to fill out a custom form on an iPad for multiple people, ensuring each submission is saved separately while keeping the original template blank for 100 to 300 future uses.
- Product
- Jotform / iPad Forms
- Device & OS
- iPad
- Scenario
- Collecting data from multiple users on a single device.
- Observed behavior
- Needs a systematic workflow to save 100 to 300 completed forms as individual files without overwriting the original blank form template.
Ensure you have created a dedicated folder within your iPad's Files app to organize the hundreds of submissions and make them easy to locate later.
Use the "Save As" Feature for Each Submission
This is the most efficient method for rapid data entry, allowing you to fill out the form continuously without leaving your form application.
By utilizing the 'Save As' functionality, you can keep your original blank template intact while generating unique files for each person's submission.
Launch your form application or PDF viewer and open the original blank form template.
Hand the iPad to the person or fill out the required information for the current submission.
Navigate to the file menu or export options and select "Save As" (or "Export as PDF").
Enter a unique file name for the completed form, such as the person's name or the date, and save it to your designated folder.
Close the newly saved file, reopen your original blank template, and repeat the process for the next person.
Duplicate the Blank Form Before Filling
Use this method if your form application does not support a reliable 'Save As' feature, ensuring the original template is never accidentally overwritten.
Use WPS Office to Fill and Save Multiple PDF Forms on iPad
If you export your forms as fillable PDFs, WPS Office for iPad provides powerful document viewing and form-filling capabilities. You can easily open a template, complete it offline, and seamlessly use 'Save As' to store individual copies for hundreds of users.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office from the App Store on your iPad.
- 2. Open Your Blank Form: Launch WPS Office and open your fillable PDF form template.
- 3. Input the Data: Tap on the form fields to input the required information for the first person.
- 4. Save As a New File: Tap the 'Tools' menu icon, choose 'File', and select 'Save As' to export the completed file with a unique name into your iPad's local storage.
- 5. Reset for the Next User: Close the saved document and reopen the original blank template from your recent files to continue with the next submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent accidentally overwriting my original blank form template?
To prevent overwriting, either make the original file read-only (if your app supports it), or always use the "Save As" function instead of the standard "Save". Alternatively, build a habit of duplicating the file in your iPad's Files app before you even open it.
Can I easily organize and search through hundreds of completed forms on an iPad?
Yes. Use the built-in Files app to create specific folders organized by date, project, or category. Using a strict and consistent file naming convention (such as 'Date_ClientName_FormType') will allow you to quickly search and retrieve specific files later using the search bar.
Is it possible to fill out online forms like Jotform entirely offline on an iPad?
Many form builders, including Jotform, offer mobile apps with "Offline Forms" functionality where submissions are synced later. Alternatively, you can export your online form as a Fillable PDF ahead of time and use an app like WPS Office to fill and save local copies entirely offline without needing an internet connection.
