Understanding Spotlight Forms

Understanding Spotlight Forms

A Spotlight Form displays all fields on a single scrollable page, but only one field is in focus at a time. As respondents scroll, each field moves into an active state, visually highlighted, and centered, while surrounding fields are dimmed. The focus shifts automatically based on scroll position.



Imagine filling out a form where every other question fades into the background, and only the one you need to answer right now is front and center. No distractions. No cognitive overload. This is exactly what Spotlight Forms in Zoho Forms are designed to deliver. Unlike Standard Forms, which display all fields at once and Card Forms, which show one field per page, Spotlight Forms keep all fields on a single page while automatically focusing on one field at a time as the respondent scrolls. 

Key characteristics
  1. Field layout: Each field in a Spotlight Form is presented in its own dedicated visual card. These are stacked vertically on a single page.
  2. Dynamic focus: The active field is fully visible, focused and interactive, while fields above and below appear in a dimmed state.
  3. Seamless Navigation: Focus shifts automatically based on scroll position. 
  4. Single-Page Continuity: All fields exist on one scrollable page, no next page or navigation events.

Standard vs Card vs Spotlight Form


Feature

Standard Form

Card Form

Spotlight Form

Field display

All fields visible at once

One field per page

One field in focus at a time

Page Structure

Single or Multiple pages

Multiple pages

Single page

Navigation

Scroll or button 

Next/Previous buttons

Scroll to focus

Welcome page

No

Yes

No

Best suited for

Detailed, data heavy forms

Step-by-step forms

Distraction free interactions