Create an Order From That Allows Multiple Fill-ins and Columns for One Response

Question

I am trying to replicate an online order form that mirrors our hard copy order form, where customers can fill in text, but then to the right of that text is multiple columns that they have to answer or select for that one row or line item. But then also including additional rows where they can fill it out for multiple orders and not have to do multiple forms for multiple orders, for example candy grams and listing out all the people they want to purchase for, but with each name listed, they also have to answer additional questions, such which candy gram, which phrase, anonymous, pickup/delivery.

Answer 1

To create an order form that allows multiple fill-ins and columns for one response, you can use Microsoft Forms or Power Apps. Here’s a general approach you can take:

1. Use Multiple Columns: In your form, you can create a layout that includes multiple columns for each line item. This can be achieved by arranging fields in a grid layout. For example, you can have a text field for the name of the recipient and adjacent columns for selecting options like candy type, phrase, anonymity, and pickup/delivery options.
2. Dynamic Rows: To allow users to add multiple items without filling out separate forms, you can implement a feature that lets users add rows dynamically. In Power Apps, you can use a gallery control to display multiple entries, where each entry corresponds to a row in your order form.
3. Data Collection: Ensure that the data collected from each row is structured properly. You can bind the form fields to a data source that captures all responses in a single submission, making it easier to manage and process orders.
4. Validation and Submission: Implement validation rules to ensure that all necessary fields are filled out before submission. You can also include a submit button that gathers all the data from the multiple rows and sends it to your backend or database for processing.

By using these techniques, you can create a comprehensive order form that meets your requirements for multiple fill-ins and columns for each response.

Answer 2

Dear @Dolan Whitney@DSH-C, 

Welcome to the Q&A Community.   

Thank you for reaching out and explaining how you want your online order form to mirror the hard‑copy version, allowing customers to list multiple names (e.g., candy grams) with additional columns for selection (candy type, phrase, anonymous, pickup or delivery) in the same form. 

Currently, Microsoft Forms doesn’t support a grid-style question where each row can have free‑text input plus multiple adjacent columns for dropdowns or choices. The closest feature is the "Likert" grid, which only allows selecting one option per row and not free text entry or multiple selections per row. 

 

I completely understand how limitations in Forms can feel disruptive. It’s not just about aesthetics; these differences can genuinely affect how smoothly you work and navigate your day. 

As a forum moderator, I hope you understand that I don’t have the ability to modify or escalate product issues directly. However, I strongly recommend submitting your feedback through the Microsoft 365 Feedback Hub. This is the most effective way to ensure your voice reaches the product team and can be considered for future improvements.  

 

Once you've submitted your feedback, feel free to share the link here in the comments. I’ll be happy to upvote it to help bring more visibility.  

Additionally, since many other users have expressed similar concerns but may not know where to submit feedback, if my response has helped you better understand the situation and guided you toward a possible next step, please mark it as the “Accepted Answer.” Your action will help pin this post to the top, making it easier for others in the community who are experiencing the same issue to find your feedback and support it.  

Thank you again for your time and for raising this important usability concern. 

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