How to Connect an HTML Form to a Backend

If you have a form on your website but are struggling with storing and managing submissions, you don’t need to set up a database or write custom backend code. Using a backend service like Formester, you can securely capture all form submissions, filter spam, send real-time notifications, and integrate with third-party tools such as Google Sheets, Slack, or Zapier.

Why Use a Backend for Your Forms

Connecting your HTML form to a backend allows you to:

• Store submissions securely without managing a database
• Filter out spam with built-in tools like reCAPTCHA or AI spam protection
• Receive real-time notifications for each submission
• Export submission data or integrate it with other tools for automation

This is especially useful if your website only has a static form or if you want to automate workflows without writing complex code.

Step 1: Set Up a Backend Form

1. Log in to your backend service account.
2. Click New Form and choose Backend Only.
3. Rename your backend form for easy identification.

You will now have three options for integrating your HTML form with the backend:

• Direct Form Action: If you already have an HTML form, update the action attribute in the form tag with the backend URL.
• New Form Code: If you don’t have a form, use the provided HTML code to create a new form.
• JavaScript Endpoint: Use this method to submit data programmatically using a POST request.

Step 2: Connect an Existing HTML Form

1. Copy the backend action URL.
2. Open your HTML form and update the <form> tag with the new action URL.
3. Save your changes and publish your website.
4. Test your form by submitting an entry. You should see a custom thank-you message once the submission is successful.

Step 3: Manage Submissions

• Go to the Submissions tab in your backend dashboard.
• View all submitted data and make edits if needed.
• Mark spam entries or export submissions as CSV.
• Share an edit link for team collaboration.

Step 4: Protect Your Form from Spam

1. Use reCAPTCHA protection:

• • Disabled, simple, or advanced options
  • Advanced reCAPTCHA can redirect spam submissions to a specific URL

2. Enable AI Spam Protection under settings to automatically detect and block spam using a trained AI model.

Step 5: Automate Your Workflow

• Set up email notifications to alert your team of new submissions instantly.
• Integrate your form with third-party tools like CRMs, Google Sheets, or Zapier to automate workflows.
• Use these integrations to populate databases, send follow-up emails, or trigger other actions automatically.

Final Thoughts

Connecting an HTML form to a backend eliminates the need for complex server-side coding while ensuring secure submission management. With built-in spam protection, real-time notifications, and third-party integrations, you can efficiently handle your form data and automate workflows.

Updated on: 03/10/2025