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GOV.UK Service Manual: Structuring forms
Documents form-structure guidance that starts by splitting forms across multiple pages with each page containing one thing, while acknowledging that a question can require more than one form field.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete complex form | Choose a complete complex form when many related configuration fields need one inspectable surface and cross-section comparison matters. | Section navigation changes the visible section without discarding draft values. | GOV.UK form-structure guidance anchors the decision not to use long complex forms when one thing per page is clearer for users. |
| Multi-step form | Choose a multi-step form when the transaction has several ordered pages or sections that need saved progress. | Continue validates and saves the current step before unlocking the next required step. | GOV.UK form-structure guidance supports splitting forms across pages, one thing per page, saving as users go, and branching or loops. |
| Review before submit | Choose review before submit when users need to verify multiple captured answers immediately before committing a transaction. | Review loads only after required upstream answers are saved or clearly marks missing required sections. | GOV.UK form-structure guidance supports collecting answers across pages and saving them as users go before final review. |
| Single-page form | Choose a single-page form when the task has a short related set of fields that users should review together. | Tab order follows the same top-to-bottom order users see on screen. | GOV.UK form-structure guidance supports starting with one thing per page and merging pages when user research shows that is better for the task. |
| Single-question page | Choose a single-question page when one conceptual question deserves focused reading and answering before the next task step. | Back returns to the previous page or step without clearing the current answer. | GOV.UK form-structure guidance supports one thing per page while distinguishing one question from one field. |
| Wizard | Choose a wizard when the product must guide users through a strict or mostly strict setup sequence with dependent choices. | Next validates and stores the current step before moving forward. | GOV.UK form-structure guidance supports distinguishing ordinary multi-page forms from heavier guided setup assistants. |
Evidence Role
This source is treated as service-manual evidence. Use it to validate the decision rules above, not as a visual style reference.
Publisher: Government Digital Service. Last checked: .