Formidable Forms integration for wpDataTables — is a powerful addon that bridges the gap between one of the most popular form builders and the leading table and chart plugin for WordPress. It allows you to take raw data collected through Formidable Forms—such as surveys, registrations, or contact inquiries—and automatically display it in beautiful, interactive, and highly customizable tables and charts powered by wpDataTables. This eliminates the need for manual data entry or complex export/import processes.
With this integration, you can create a seamless workflow from data collection to data visualization. Any new submission to your form can instantly appear in your table, keeping your data displays always up-to-date. Users can then sort, filter, search, and even edit the information directly from the front-end, depending on your configuration. It’s an ideal solution for creating directories, tracking applications, displaying survey results, or managing any user-submitted content in a structured and accessible format.
The setup is intuitive and requires no coding knowledge. Simply install the addon, create a new wpDataTable, and select your Formidable Form as the data source. You can then choose which form fields to use as columns, configure advanced features like conditional formatting and formula columns, and embed the final table or chart anywhere on your site using a simple shortcode. This addon empowers you to unlock the true potential of the data you collect, turning it into a valuable and engaging asset for your website visitors.
Why This Is Important
Are you tired of manually exporting form entries into spreadsheets just to make sense of your data? This tedious process is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors, leading to outdated or incorrect information on your site. According to industry reports, professionals spend up to 20% of their work week on non-productive, manual data tasks. This integration automates the entire workflow, saving you hours of work and ensuring your data is always live and accurate.
By transforming raw submission data into interactive tables and charts, you can increase user engagement by over 40%. Instead of presenting a static list, you provide a dynamic tool that users can interact with—filtering results, sorting data, and finding the information they need instantly. This is crucial for directories, catalogs, and survey results, where user experience directly impacts your credibility and conversion rates. Stop letting valuable data sit idle in your database and start using it to create powerful, decision-driving visualizations.
Features
- Direct Data Source Integration: Use any Formidable Form as a direct data source for wpDataTables without any manual export/import.
- Real-Time Data Sync: New form submissions are automatically added to your tables, ensuring your data is always up-to-date.
- Advanced Filtering and Sorting: Leverage the full power of wpDataTables with advanced front-end filtering, multi-column sorting, and powerful search functionality.
- Dynamic Chart Creation: Visualize your form data by creating responsive and interactive charts (bar, pie, line, etc.) with the wpDataCharts wizard.
- Selective Column Display: Choose exactly which fields from your Formidable Form you want to display as columns in your table.
- Front-end Editable Tables: Allow users to edit their own form submissions directly from the front-end table, perfect for profile management or directories.
- Support for All Formidable Fields: Seamlessly works with all standard and custom field types in Formidable Forms, including text, file uploads, and dropdowns.
- Responsive Design: Tables and charts created from your form data are fully responsive and look great on any device, from desktops to smartphones.
- Easy Configuration: A simple, step-by-step wizard guides you through the process of creating a table from a form, no coding required.
- Shortcode-Based Embedding: Easily embed your data tables or charts anywhere on your site—pages, posts, or widgets—using a simple WordPress shortcode.
Data Visualization Power
| Feature | Without Integration | With Formidable & wpDataTables Integration |
|---|---|---|
| Data Display | Static list or manual export to spreadsheet | Live, dynamic, and interactive tables & charts |
| Update Process | Manual. Requires exporting CSV and re-importing | Automatic. New submissions appear instantly |
| User Interaction | None. Users can only view data | Full. Users can sort, filter, search, and paginate |
| Time to Setup | Hours per week for manual updates | Minutes for a one-time setup |
| Data Insight | Low. Hard to spot trends in raw data | High. Easily create charts to visualize patterns |
| Error Possibility | High due to manual data handling | Minimal, as the process is automated |
How to install the plugin?
- Download the plugin archive using the button above.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Click "Upload Plugin" at the top and select the downloaded ZIP file.
- Install, activate the plugin, and follow the quick setup wizard instructions.
FAQ
What are the prerequisites for using this integration plugin?
To use this integration, you must have both the Formidable Forms plugin and the wpDataTables plugin installed and activated on your WordPress site. This addon acts as a bridge between the two, so it cannot function without them. Ensure both parent plugins are up-to-date for best performance and compatibility.
Can I display data from multiple Formidable Forms in a single table?
This integration is designed to create a table from a single Formidable Form as its data source. It does not natively support merging entries from multiple different forms into one table. For such a use case, you would need to consolidate your data first, potentially by using a custom database query as a source for wpDataTables.
Are file uploads from Formidable Forms supported in the tables?
Yes, the integration supports file upload fields. When you display a file upload field in a wpDataTable, it will typically render as a clickable link. When a user clicks the link, they can view or download the submitted file. This is perfect for displaying portfolios, resumes, or any user-submitted documents.
How does front-end editing work with form data?
When you enable front-end editing in wpDataTables for a table sourced from Formidable Forms, you can allow logged-in users to modify their own submissions. The changes made in the table on the front-end will directly update the corresponding entry in Formidable Forms. This feature is powerful for creating user profiles, business directories, or member-editable listings.
