This getting started guide covers the processes of exporting and importing a form. More specifically, this article outlines how to export and import a JSON backup file, as well as how to export and import a PHP include file. This can be easily mistaken for Exporting and Importing Form Entries, which is an entirely different process. Get more information on exporting and importing a form entries by visiting our Form Entries Guide.
This topic is covered, in more depth, in our full documentation.
Exporting And Importing A JSON Caldera Form File
Creating a JSON export of your form is an easy way to copy a form from one WordPress website to another. It is also a good way to backup a form.
Steps To Export A JSON Form Backup File
Step 1 : Go To The Caldera Forms Admin Page
Starting from the WordPress Dashboard, you can navigate to the Caldera Forms Admin Page by hovering over the Caldera Forms icon and in the drop-down menu clicking on Forms.
Step 2: Export The Form
Export the form by hovering over 1 form from the list of built forms and clicking on Export. This launches the Export Form pop-up window. Download the JSON file by selecting Backup/Importable (JSON) from the Export Type drop-down menu. Start exporting by clicking on Export Form. You receive a prompt to Save the file to your local computer.
Steps To Import A JSON Form Backup File
Step 1 : Go To The Caldera Forms Admin Page
Starting from the WordPress Dashboard, you can navigate to the Caldera Forms Admin Page by hovering over the Caldera Forms icon and in the drop-down menu clicking on Forms.
Step 2 : Start The Import
Import the JSON file by clicking on Import in the top Caldera Forms menu bar. This launches the Import Form pop-up window where you enter a Form Name, then continue by clicking on Choose File. You receive a prompt to find and open the JSON file from your local computer. Start importing by clicking on Import Form.
Exporting And Importing A PHP Caldera Form File
Exporting a form as a PHP file is less common than exporting as JSON file. This is a developer feature. Include a form in your plugin or theme, or commit a Caldera Form configuration to your version control system. The file this process generates is not a backup and cannot be imported through the Caldera Forms UI.
Step 1: Go To The Caldera Forms Admin Page
Starting from the WordPress Dashboard, you can navigate to the Caldera Forms Admin Page by hovering over the Caldera Forms icon and in the drop-down menu clicking on Forms.
Step 2: Export The Form
Export the form by hovering over 1 form from the list of built forms and clicking on Export. This launches the Export Form pop-up window. Download the PHP file by selecting PHP Include File from the Export Type drop-down menu. Start exporting by clicking on Export Form. You receive a prompt to Save the file to your local computer.
This Export Type has 3 options:
- Form ID – This allows you change the ID of the form. You want to use a more meaningful ID then the randomly generated ID.
- Pin to Admin – This creates a submenu to add to the entry viewer.
- Field Slugs – This converts all of the form’s field’s IDs into their slugs.
Step 3: Include The PHP Form File
Include this file in a plugin or theme header.php file or include it in a theme’s functions.php file.