Google Forms provides a convenient way to collect information, but there may come a time when you need to stop accepting responses. Whether you’ve reached your desired number of submissions or the deadline for your survey has passed, closing a Google Form is a straightforward process.
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To close a Google Form, simply access the Responses tab and toggle off the “Accepting Responses” option. This action immediately stops new submissions from being accepted. Users who attempt to access the form afterward will see a message indicating that it is no longer accepting responses.
For those who require more control over when their form closes, Google offers additional options. The formLimiter add-on allows users to set specific conditions for automatic closure, such as a maximum number of responses or a particular date and time. This feature proves especially useful for registration forms or time-sensitive surveys where precise cutoff points are crucial.
Setting Up Closing Parameters
Google Forms offers multiple options to control when and how a form stops accepting responses. These parameters can be configured using built-in features or add-ons for more advanced functionality.
Using the Built-In Response Options
Google Forms provides a simple toggle to manually close a form. To access this option, open the form and navigate to the “Responses” tab. Here, you’ll find the “Accepting Responses” switch. Turning it off immediately stops new submissions.
When closing a form, you can set a custom message for users who attempt to access it. This message appears on the form page, informing visitors that responses are no longer being accepted.
For forms with a specific end date, you can note this information in the form description or questions. While Google Forms lacks native scheduling, clearly communicating the closing date helps manage respondent expectations.
Employing FormLimiter Add-On
The FormLimiter add-on extends Google Forms’ capabilities, allowing automatic form closure based on specific criteria. To use FormLimiter, install it from the Google Workspace Marketplace.
Once installed, open your form and click “Add-ons” > “FormLimiter” > “Set limits”. You can then choose to close the form based on:
- Date and time
- Number of form responses
- Custom spreadsheet value
Set your preferred limit type and parameters. FormLimiter will automatically close the form when the conditions are met.
This add-on is particularly useful for time-sensitive surveys, limited-entry contests, or application processes with a cap on submissions. It eliminates the need for manual monitoring and closure.
Managing Form Responses and Notifications
Google Forms provides powerful tools for handling submissions and communicating with respondents. These features allow form creators to efficiently review data and customize the user experience.
Accessing and Analyzing Responses
The Responses tab in Google Forms is the central hub for managing submissions. To view individual responses, click on the Responses tab and select “Individual.” Navigate between entries using the Previous and Next buttons. For a comprehensive overview, click “View all responses in a spreadsheet” to open the data in Google Sheets.
Google Sheets integration enables deeper analysis of form data. Users can apply formulas, create charts, and filter responses to extract meaningful insights. The spreadsheet updates in real-time as new submissions come in, ensuring access to the latest information.
To share response data with team members, use Google Drive’s sharing features. Set appropriate permissions to control who can view or edit the spreadsheet.
Customizing Notifications and Messages
Form creators can tailor the notification system to suit their needs. To set up email alerts for new submissions, click the More options menu (three dots) in the Responses tab and select “Get email notifications for new responses.”
When closing a form, creators can display a custom message to inform visitors that submissions are no longer being accepted. To do this, toggle off the “Accepting Responses” button in the Responses tab and enter a personalized message in the provided field.
For forms that reopen periodically, save custom messages as templates in Google Drive. This allows quick updates to the form’s status without rewriting the message each time.
Formifyr offers additional options for creating and customizing forms, including advanced notification settings and response management features.