Getting Started with Beautiful WebForms¶
This guide provides a quick introduction to Module Suite Beautiful WebForms and helps you get started with creating custom web forms and form-based applications on Content Server.
What is Beautiful WebForms?¶
Beautiful WebForms is a Module Suite component that enables you to create modern, responsive web forms on OpenText Content Server. It provides a visual form builder, a comprehensive widget library, and powerful integration capabilities that allow you to build sophisticated form-based applications without traditional HTML/JavaScript development.
For a comprehensive overview, see the Beautiful WebForms Views.
Key Components¶
The Beautiful WebForms extension includes:
- Form Builder - A web-based IDE with drag-and-drop capabilities for creating form views
- Widget Library - A comprehensive set of form widgets and components
- View Templates - Pre-configured templates for different form layouts and use cases
- Custom Logic Execution Hooks (CLEH) - Server-side scripting hooks for form lifecycle events
- Smart View Integration - Embed forms directly in Smart View perspectives
- Content Script Integration - Seamless integration with Content Script for server-side logic
- AI-Based Form Builder - Experimental feature for creating forms using natural language prompts
Quick Start Guide¶
1. Understanding the Basics¶
Start by reading the Beautiful WebForms Views to understand:
- How Beautiful WebForms work
- The form request lifecycle
- Custom Logic Execution Hooks (CLEH)
- Grid system and responsive layout
2. Creating Form Objects¶
Learn how to create and manage Beautiful WebForms objects:
- Beautiful WebForms Objects - Creating views and understanding view properties
3. Building Forms¶
Learn how to design and build forms using the Form Builder:
- Form Builder - Learn how to use the web-based IDE to design forms
- Smart Editor (WYSIWYG drag-and-drop)
- Source Code Editor (Velocity template editing)
- AI-Based Form Builder (experimental)
4. Working with Widgets¶
Explore the available widgets and their configurations:
- Widgets - Overview of widgets and their usage
- Widgets List - Complete reference of all available widgets
- Widget Behaviours - Server-side behaviors for widgets
5. Advanced Features¶
Explore advanced capabilities and integrations:
- Smart View Integration - Embedding Beautiful WebForms in Smart View perspectives
- SDK - Creating custom widgets and templates
- Language Reference - Content Script language syntax for form logic
Prerequisites¶
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- Access to an OpenText Content Server instance with Module Suite (>= 3.3) installed and properly configured
- Familiarity with the basics of creating objects on Content Server
- Understanding of the following Content Server objects:
- Form Template
- View (HTML, WR Power View)
- Form
Next Steps¶
Once you're familiar with the basics, you can:
- Create your first form using the Form Builder
- Explore the Widget Library to see what's available
- Learn about Custom Logic Execution Hooks for server-side form processing
- Integrate forms with Smart View for modern user interfaces