Choose and Configure App Form Items
NIM Apps · Form builder
Choose the right form item for the task, connect it to variables or filters, then test the experience in Run mode.
Form items are the components on an App form. Drag an item from the sidebar onto the design surface, configure its properties, then connect it to variables, filters, or form actions where needed. Use Compose Items to bundle repeatable controls into reusable blocks.
Collect user inputDirect link to Collect user input
| Item | Best for | Value behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Input Text | Names, identifiers, short text, or multiline comments | Stores the entered value in a variable. Enable multiline and set the line count for larger text areas. |
| Date | A specific calendar date | Stores a value in YYYY-MM-dd format. |
| Dropdown | One choice from a manageable list | Stores one string; choices can be static or supplied by a filter. |
| Radio Buttons | One visible choice from a short list | Stores one string; useful when users should compare every option. |
| Checkboxes | Multiple choices | Stores selected values as a comma-separated string list; choices can be static or filter-driven. |
Choose a Dropdown for compact lists, Radio Buttons when visible options improve decision-making, and Checkboxes only when multiple choices are valid.
Display and select dataDirect link to Display and select data
| Item | Best for | Important behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Grid | Viewing, selecting, or acting on filter results | Displays configurable table columns. Selected row values can populate variables for later forms or actions. |
| Grid Search | A search field placed outside the Grid | Filters items in a configured Grid. |
| Grid Control | Moving between configured Grid views | Shows breadcrumb-like navigation through Grid views. |
| Name-Value List | Read-only summary data | Shows static values or JavaScript evaluated when the form initializes. |
| Progress Bar | Showing workflow progress | Uses evaluated Value and Value Maximum values. |
Use a Grid selection to set the record context before navigating to a detail or confirmation form.
Guide and navigate usersDirect link to Guide and navigate users
| Item | Best for |
|---|---|
| Button | Submitting data, running actions, moving between forms, or cancelling a task. |
| Static Text | Instructions, headings, notices, and dynamic text evaluated when the form initializes. |
| Icon | A concise visual cue using Font Awesome Duotone icons. |
| Image | A visual asset stored in C:\ProgramData\Tools4ever\NIM\config\images. |
| Dashboard Navigation | Browsing App categories and favorites on a dashboard. |
| Dashboard Search | Finding an App by display name from a dashboard. |
| Panel | Showing the Apps an end user can access when its Apps property is enabled. |
Static Text supports Markdown links, such as [NIM Documentation](https://docs.nimsuite.com). Each link creates a configurable Navigate to URL action under the item's Actions tab.
Shape the layoutDirect link to Shape the layout
| Item | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Empty Column | Reserving whitespace in a Bootstrap grid row. It has no input or output. |
| Separator | Adding a visual division between related sections. It has no input or output. |
Forms use a 12-column grid. Use empty columns sparingly; adjust item widths and row structure first so the layout remains responsive.
Design checklistDirect link to Design checklist
- Give every input item a clear label and a useful default where appropriate.
- Use variables consistently; name them for the value they carry, not the control that supplies them.
- Prefer filters for dynamic options and Grid data rather than duplicating values in multiple forms.
- Add validation and action feedback before an App can make a system change.
- Test keyboard navigation, empty data, long values, and small screen widths in Run mode.