Aform is adocument which contains blank spaces (also namedfields orplaceholders) in which one can write or select an option. Forms can be distributed to several signatories at once, or made available on demand. Before being filled out, each copy of a form is usually identical, except, possibly, for aserial number. A form allows an organisation to collect a uniform set of data from many parties in a consistent manner.
Forms, when completed, vary in their purpose; for example, a form might be a statement, a request, or anorder. Acheque may also be considered a form. In addition, there are severalforms for taxes. An example is atax return; filling one out is required in order for the amount of tax one owes to be determined. A form may also be a request for atax refund.
Forms may be filled out in duplicate (ortriplicate, meaning three times) when the information gathered on the form needs to be distributed to several departments within an organisation. This can be done usingcarbon paper.
Forms have existed for a significant amount of time, with historians oflaw having discovered preprinted legal forms from the early 19th century that greatly simplified the task of draftingcomplaints and various other legal pleadings.
Advantages of forms include the following:
A form on a computer allows for conveniently typing in the variable parts (the input data). It can also ensure that all placeholders are filled in properly.
Like a usual document, a form typically contains fixed content. It also contains some placeholders which are meant to be filled in. Blank forms are generally not copyrightable in the US.[1]
The frame is the part of the document that never changes. It usually contains a title and textual instructions.
Placeholders, or fields, are boxes or spaces where one can write or type in order to fill out the form.