Create a Numbers data entry form
How to edit a form in the IOS Numbers app
1 New sheet
The easiest way to see how forms can be used is to open Numbers on the iphone and create a new blank sheet. Existing sheets can be used, but master a blank one first.
4 Edit default fields
Three fields are displayed by default, which may not be enough for the data you want to capture. We need five fields, so add another two by tapping ‘Add Field’.
2 Add a form
At the moment, we just have an empty spreadsheet with no data. Data can be input cell by cell using the old method, but forms are better. Tap ‘+’ and choose ‘New Form’.
5 Name the fields
Field 1, 2, 3 and so on are not useful. What do they represent? We will create a simple expense recorder. Press each field name to enter edit mode and name them.
3 Blank vs table
We are using a blank spreadsheet, so press the ‘Blank Form’ option. However, data can be input into a table in an existing sheet by pressing one of the table names listed.
6 Set field types
The contents of each field is set to Automatic by default. However, the form works better if the field type is set. Tap the ‘i’ next to each field and choose a data type.
The spreadsheet
Press this tab to show the spreadsheet where the data will be stored when the form is used to enter information. It can be a new blank sheet or a table in an existing sheet.
Knowledge base Forms and tables
If you have a spreadsheet and want to input data into it. Open it in Numbers on the iphone and press the ‘+’ icon in the top toolbar to create a new table. Tap the ‘+’ on the left on the second row and create a form. You can then select the new table as the destination for the data that is entered.
7 Customise field types
Next to many field data types is an ‘i’ icon. Press it for options. For example, with the Currency field type, there are several display options and accounting styles.
8
Re-order the fields
Back at the fields screen, are they in the best and most logical order? Rearrange them by pressing, holding and dragging the three bars at the right. Drop fields in place.
Edit the form
When a new form is created, it gets its own tab. Select a Form tab to enter data and tap the gear icon below it to enter edit mode. Tap the tab to delete a form.
Form fields
Three fields are created, but more can be added with Add Field. Tap the default field names and enter your own. Drag fields up and down the list with the icon on the right.
Set field types
Press the ‘i’ icon to the right of each form field and choose the type, such as text, number, currency, date and so on. Another ‘i’ icon appears on the next screen with even more options.
9 Try your form
Press ‘Done’ to end editing and try your newly-created expense recorder form. Enter some values and tap ‘Done’ when you are finished. Tap ‘Sheet 1’ to see the data.