Rich Forms or Modern Forms – What's the Difference?

Rich Forms or Modern Forms – What's the Difference?

With Teamsware Forms, you can customize SharePoint forms and implement business logic directly within your forms. There are two available approaches:

  • Rich Forms
  • Modern Forms

Both options allow you to customize SharePoint Display, New and Edit forms. The main differences relate to the underlying SharePoint technology, user experience and supported platforms.

Rich Forms

Rich Forms represent the classic form technology and are designed for classic SharePoint lists and libraries.

Key Features

  • Customize layouts, fields and business logic
  • Supports classic SharePoint lists and libraries
  • Available for:
    • SharePoint Server 2013
    • SharePoint Server 2016
    • SharePoint Server 2019
    • SharePoint Online (Classic Experience)
  • Proven technology for existing SharePoint environments

When Should You Use Rich Forms?

  • Your environment is based on SharePoint Server 2013 or 2016.
  • You are already using classic SharePoint sites and forms.
  • A migration to the modern SharePoint experience is not currently planned.

Modern Forms

Modern Forms are designed for the modern SharePoint user experience and support the latest SharePoint platforms.

Key Features

  • Modern user experience
  • Fully responsive design
  • Optimized for smartphones and tablets
  • Available for:
    • SharePoint Online
    • SharePoint Server 2019
  • Feature set comparable to Rich Forms

Benefits

  • Excellent mobile device support
  • Modern look and feel
  • Future-proof technology
  • No additional configuration required for mobile devices

Feature Availability

Modern Forms provide nearly the same functionality as Rich Forms. Both technologies support form logic, validations, conditional formatting and advanced form customization.

Which Option Should You Choose?

RequirementRecommended Option
SharePoint Server 2013Rich Forms
SharePoint Server 2016Rich Forms
SharePoint OnlineModern Forms
SharePoint Server 2019Modern Forms (recommended)
Mobile access requiredModern Forms
Existing classic environmentRich Forms
New projectsModern Forms

Combining Classic and Modern Experiences

Rich Forms can be used within a Modern List while maintaining a modern list view.

However, the reverse scenario is not supported:

  • Not supported: Modern Forms within a Classic List

Teamsware Recommendation

For new projects running on SharePoint Online, Teamsware recommends using Modern Forms. They provide a modern user experience, excellent mobile support and align with Microsoft's current SharePoint strategy.

Rich Forms remain the preferred option for organizations operating legacy SharePoint environments or using SharePoint Server 2013 or 2016.

Summary

FeatureRich FormsModern Forms
SharePoint Server 2013✔✖
SharePoint Server 2016✔✖
SharePoint Server 2019✔✔
SharePoint Online✔✔
Mobile OptimizationLimited✔
Modern Experience✖✔
Recommended for New Projects○✔
Recommendation
For new SharePoint Online solutions, Modern Forms should be the preferred choice. Rich Forms remain the ideal option for classic SharePoint environments and legacy SharePoint Server deployments.

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