How to Close a Google Form at a Certain Time Automatically

Google Forms is a versatile tool for collecting information, but sometimes you need to close a form at a specific time. Whether it’s for a job application deadline or a survey end date, knowing how to automatically close your Google Form can save time and ensure fairness.

To close a Google Form at a certain time, you can use the Form Limit add-on or set up a time-based trigger using Google Apps Script. These methods allow you to schedule the form’s closure without manual intervention. The Form Limit add-on is particularly user-friendly, enabling you to set a specific date and time for the form to stop accepting responses.

For those who prefer manual control, Google Forms also offers a simple toggle switch to close a form instantly. This option is located in the Responses tab and allows you to turn off the “Accepting Responses” feature at any time. When closed, you can display a custom message to inform potential respondents that the form is no longer active.

Setting Up Automatic Closure for Google Forms

Google Forms offers several methods to automatically close forms at specific dates and times. These approaches utilize add-ons, scripts, and built-in features to ensure timely form closure without manual intervention.

Understanding Google Forms and Closure Criteria

Google Forms allows users to set closure criteria based on date, time, or response limits. Users can specify a particular date and time for form deactivation. This feature proves useful for time-sensitive surveys, applications, or event registrations.

To manually close a form:

1. Open the Google Form
2. Click the “Responses” tab
3. Toggle off “Accepting responses”

For more advanced closure options, users can explore third-party add-ons or custom scripts. These tools provide greater flexibility in scheduling and automating form closures.

Utilizing Google Workspace Marketplace Add-ons

The Google Workspace Marketplace offers add-ons to enhance Google Forms functionality. These extensions can automate form closure based on predefined criteria.

Popular add-ons include:

• Form Limiter: Sets response limits and closing dates
• Form Timer: Closes forms after a specified duration
• Formifyr: Creates and manages forms with advanced features

To install an add-on:

1. Open Google Forms
2. Click “More” (three dots)
3. Select “Add-ons”
4. Search and install desired add-on

Add-ons simplify the process of scheduling form closures, reducing manual oversight and potential errors.

Creating Time-Driven Triggers with Google Apps Script

Google Apps Script enables users to create custom time-driven triggers for form closure. This method offers precise control over closure timing and conditions.

To set up a time-driven trigger:

1. Open the Google Form
2. Click “Tools” > “Script editor”
3. Write a function to close the form
4. Set up a time-driven trigger for the function

Example script:

function closeForm() {
  var form = FormApp.getActiveForm();
  form.setAcceptingResponses(false);
}

This approach requires basic coding knowledge but provides maximum flexibility for complex closure criteria. Users can customize scripts to fit specific needs, ensuring forms close automatically at the desired time.

Managing Form Availability and Responses

Google Forms offers several options for controlling when your form is accessible and how to handle responses. These tools allow you to manage submissions effectively and analyze the data you collect.

Manually Closing Your Form

To close a Google Form manually, navigate to the form editor and click the “Responses” tab. Locate the “Accepting responses” toggle switch and turn it off. This immediately stops new submissions from being accepted. You can customize the message that appears when someone tries to access the closed form. Consider including information about why the form is closed or when it might reopen.

For teachers using forms for quizzes or businesses with registration deadlines, manual closure ensures control over the submission window. Remember to communicate the closing time clearly to potential respondents.

Setting up Email Notifications and Custom Messages

Google Forms allows you to receive email notifications for new submissions. To enable this, go to the “Responses” tab and click the three-dot menu. Select “Get email notifications for new responses.” This feature is particularly useful for time-sensitive forms or when immediate action is required based on submissions.

You can also create custom messages for different form states. Set a welcome message for open forms and a closure message for when the form is no longer accepting responses. These messages help manage respondent expectations and provide clear communication about the form’s status.

Analyzing and Saving Submissions Post-Closure

After closing your form, focus on analyzing the collected data. Google Forms automatically saves responses to a linked Google Sheets spreadsheet. This integration allows for easy data manipulation and analysis. Review submissions to identify trends or patterns in the responses.

For forms with a maximum number of allowed responses, check if this limit was reached. Export your data to preserve a snapshot of the results at the time of closure. This practice is especially important for businesses or researchers who need to maintain records of submissions for future reference or auditing purposes.

Formifyr can be used as an alternative to create forms with advanced features for managing availability and responses.