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Form Type Submission Testing – End-to-End Workflow

12 minute read

Test the Complete User Journey #

End-to-end submission testing in FORMEPIC ensures the entire user experience works seamlessly from the moment someone opens your form until they receive confirmation of their submission. Testing the complete workflow—including form submission, thank you pages, redirects, email notifications, and integration triggers—catches issues that affect your respondents’ final impression and your data collection success. By verifying every step of the submission process, you ensure users receive proper feedback, your team gets notified, and connected systems receive data correctly. The result is a polished, professional form experience that builds trust and maximizes response rates.

Test Submissions #

What Test Submissions Are:

  • Full form completions in test mode
  • Submissions marked as “test data”
  • Trigger all integrations and workflows
  • Saved to responses list with test indicator
  • Can be easily identified and deleted

Why Test Submissions Matter:

  • Validate complete user journey
  • Test post-submission workflows
  • Verify integration connections
  • Check notification delivery
  • Test thank you page/redirect

How to Make Test Submissions:

  1. Enable Test Mode in dashboard (toggle in top navigation)
  2. Open your published form URL or use preview
  3. Complete form as a real user would
  4. Submit the form
  5. Verify post-submission behavior
  6. Check responses list for test submission

Test Submission Indicator:

  • Test submissions marked in responses list
  • Easy to filter and identify
  • Can be bulk deleted when done testing
  • Distinguished from production data

Test Data vs. Real Data #

Test Data Characteristics:

  • Marked with “test” indicator/flag
  • Easy to filter in responses dashboard
  • Can be bulk deleted
  • Doesn’t affect production analytics
  • Used during form development

Production Data Characteristics:

  • Real user submissions (test mode OFF)
  • Permanent responses
  • Included in analytics and exports
  • Cannot be easily bulk deleted
  • Treated as valuable data

Identifying Test Data:

  1. In Responses List:
  • Test badge/indicator visible
  • Filter by test submissions
  • Separate from production responses
  1. In Exports:
  • Test data can be excluded from exports
  • Or included and marked clearly
  • Filter option before exporting

Best Practices for Test Data:

  • Always use test mode during development
  • Use obviously fake information (e.g., “Test User”, “test@test.com”)
  • Include “TEST” in text fields
  • Regular cleanup of test submissions
  • Switch to production only when ready

Data Separation:

  • Test and production data stored separately
  • Easy to clear all test data at once
  • Production data protected from accidental deletion
  • Clear visual distinction in interface

Testing Thank You Pages #

Thank You Page Types:

  • Built-in thank you message
  • Custom thank you page content
  • Redirect to external URL
  • Display submission summary

What to Test:

  1. Thank You Page Displays:
  • Submit test form
  • Verify thank you page appears
  • Check content displays correctly
  • Ensure branding/design matches
  1. Custom Message Content:
  • Verify custom text appears
  • Check formatting (bold, links, etc.)
  • Test dynamic field placeholders
  • Verify images display correctly
  1. Submission Summary:
  • Check user’s responses display
  • Verify all fields shown correctly
  • Test summary formatting
  • Ensure sensitive data handled properly
  1. Thank You Page Timing:
  • Appears immediately after submit
  • No delay or loading issues
  • Smooth transition from form

Dynamic Content Testing:

  • Test personalized messages (e.g., “Thank you, {Name}!”)
  • Verify field values insert correctly
  • Test with different response types
  • Check for missing/empty fields

Design and Branding:

  • Thank you page matches form design
  • Logo and colors consistent
  • Mobile responsiveness
  • Professional appearance

Testing Redirects #

Redirect Types:

  • Redirect to external website
  • Redirect to another form
  • Redirect to custom landing page
  • Conditional redirects based on answers

Basic Redirect Testing:

  1. Enable Redirect:
  • Configure redirect URL in form settings
  • Save settings
  1. Submit Test Form:
  • Complete and submit test form
  • Verify redirect happens immediately
  • Check correct URL is loaded
  • Ensure no errors during redirect
  1. Redirect Timing:
  • Redirect should be instant or after brief delay
  • User should not see errors
  • Smooth transition to destination

Redirect URL Testing:

  • Valid URL: https://example.com/thank-you
  • URL with parameters: https://example.com/thanks?source=form
  • Invalid URL: htp://broken-url
  • Relative URL: /thank-you (depends on configuration)

Conditional Redirect Testing:
Example: Redirect to different URLs based on answers

  1. Setup Conditions:
  • Redirect A if Field X = “Option 1”
  • Redirect B if Field X = “Option 2”
  1. Test Each Path:
  • Submit form with “Option 1”
  • Verify redirects to URL A
  • Submit form with “Option 2”
  • Verify redirects to URL B
  1. Test Default:
  • Submit with neither condition met
  • Verify default redirect or thank you page

Redirect with Parameters:

  • Test passing form data in URL parameters
  • Verify special characters encoded properly
  • Check receiving page processes parameters
  • Test with long parameter strings

Testing Email Notifications #

Email Notification Types:

  • Admin notification (to form owner)
  • User autoresponder (to form submitter)
  • Team notifications (to multiple recipients)
  • Conditional notifications (based on answers)

Important: Email notifications only fire with actual submissions in Test Mode or Production Mode, NOT in preview.

Admin Notification Testing #

Setup Test:

  1. Configure admin notification in Email Settings
  2. Set recipient email (use your test email)
  3. Customize email subject and content
  4. Enable test mode
  5. Submit test form

What to Verify:

  • Email arrives within minutes
  • Subject line correct
  • From address correct
  • Email content displays properly
  • Submission data included correctly
  • Formatting is readable
  • No broken links or images

Test Email Content:

  • Form name/title present
  • Submission timestamp
  • All form field responses
  • Proper formatting (HTML vs. plain text)
  • Branding elements (logo, colors)

Autoresponder Email Testing #

Setup Test:

  1. Configure autoresponder in Email Settings
  2. Set email field to use for recipient
  3. Customize subject and message
  4. Enable test mode
  5. Submit with valid test email

What to Verify:

  • Email sent to address provided in form
  • Subject line personalized if using field values
  • Content includes dynamic fields correctly
  • Professional appearance
  • All links work
  • Unsubscribe link (if included)

Dynamic Content Testing:

  • Test with different names/values
  • Verify field placeholders populate
  • Test with missing optional fields
  • Check default values when field empty

Using Test Email Feature #

Quick Email Testing:

  1. Navigate to Email Settings in builder
  2. Find “Send Test Email” button
  3. Enter test recipient email
  4. Click send
  5. Check inbox for test email

What This Tests:

  • Email template rendering
  • Email delivery
  • Content formatting
  • Links and images
  • Not form submission flow

Limitations:

  • Doesn’t test actual submission trigger
  • May not include all dynamic data
  • Use for template preview only
  • Follow up with test mode submission

Email Notification Troubleshooting #

Common Email Issues:

Email Not Received:

  • Check spam/junk folder
  • Verify email address configured correctly
  • Confirm email notifications enabled
  • Test with different email provider
  • Wait 5-10 minutes (delivery delays)

Email Formatting Broken:

  • Review email template in builder
  • Test HTML vs. plain text
  • Check for HTML syntax errors
  • Test in multiple email clients
  • Verify dynamic field syntax

Dynamic Fields Empty:

  • Check field name matches placeholder exactly
  • Verify field was filled in test submission
  • Test with required fields
  • Review field mapping in email settings

Testing Integrations #

Integration Types in FORMEPIC:

FORMEPIC offers over 90+ integrations across multiple categories to streamline your workflows and connect your forms to the tools you already use.

Email Marketing Integrations #

IntegrationDescription
MailchimpAutomatically add form respondents to Mailchimp lists and segments for targeted email campaigns
ActiveCampaignSync contacts to ActiveCampaign and trigger automation workflows based on form submissions
HubSpotAdd contacts to HubSpot CRM and enroll them in marketing workflows automatically
KlaviyoConnect forms to Klaviyo for e-commerce email marketing and customer segmentation
ConvertKitAdd subscribers to ConvertKit sequences and tags for creator email marketing
GetResponseSync form contacts to GetResponse lists and automate follow-up campaigns
DripAdd subscribers to Drip workflows for e-commerce email automation
MailerLiteConnect forms to MailerLite for email newsletter automation and subscriber management
Constant ContactSync contacts to Constant Contact lists for email marketing campaigns
AWeberAdd subscribers to AWeber lists and automate email sequences
Campaign MonitorConnect forms to Campaign Monitor for professional email marketing
MoosendAdd contacts to Moosend lists and trigger marketing automation workflows
OmnisendSync form data to Omnisend for omnichannel marketing automation

And more, such as Brevo (formerly Sendinblue), Sendinblue Transactional Email, and other specialized email marketing platforms.

Automation & Workflow Integrations #

IntegrationDescription
ZapierConnect forms to 5,000+ apps and create automated workflows without coding
Make (Integromat)Build complex automation scenarios with visual workflow designer
n8nOpen-source automation platform for connecting forms to any API or service
Power AutomateMicrosoft’s automation platform for connecting forms to Microsoft 365 and beyond
Pabbly ConnectAffordable automation platform for connecting forms to multiple applications
IntegratelyOne-click automation integrations with 1000+ apps
Automate.ioCloud-based automation platform for connecting apps and automating workflows
IFTTTCreate simple conditional workflows connecting forms to smart devices and services
WorkatoEnterprise-grade integration and automation platform
Tray.ioVisual automation platform for complex business process workflows

And more, such as Albato, Automatisch, Celigo, SureTriggers, Relay, Kissflow, ActivePieces, and others.

Communication Integrations #

IntegrationDescription
SlackSend form submission notifications to Slack channels instantly
Microsoft TeamsPost form responses to Teams channels for real-time collaboration
DiscordSend submission alerts to Discord servers for community engagement
TwilioSend SMS notifications when forms are submitted using Twilio messaging
Vonage (Nexmo)Send SMS alerts and notifications via Vonage messaging API
MessageBirdMulti-channel messaging platform for SMS and voice notifications
PlivoCloud communication platform for sending SMS notifications
Africa’s TalkingSMS gateway for African markets with reliable delivery

And more, such as Sinch, ClickSend, Telnyx, BulkSMS, TextMagic, SimpleTexting, Infobip, and other SMS/messaging providers.

Tracking & Analytics Integrations #

IntegrationDescription
Google AnalyticsTrack form submissions as events and conversions in Google Analytics
Google Tag ManagerFire custom tags and track form submission events via GTM
Meta Facebook PixelTrack form conversions for Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns
Google Ads ConversionMeasure form submission conversions from Google Ads campaigns
LinkedIn Insight TagTrack conversions from LinkedIn ad campaigns
Pinterest TagMeasure form conversions from Pinterest advertising
TikTok PixelTrack form submissions as conversions for TikTok ads
X (Twitter) PixelMeasure conversions from X (formerly Twitter) ad campaigns
Snapchat PixelTrack form conversions for Snapchat advertising campaigns

Data Management & Workflow Automation #

IntegrationDescription
WebhooksSend form data to any custom endpoint in real-time
Google SheetsAutomatically save form responses to Google Sheets spreadsheets
Microsoft ExcelExport and sync form data to Excel spreadsheets
AirtableStore form submissions in Airtable bases with custom views
NotionCreate Notion database entries from form submissions
SalesforceAdd leads and contacts to Salesforce CRM from form submissions

And more data management platforms and CRM systems.

Email Service Provider (ESP) Integrations #

IntegrationDescription
SMTPConnect any SMTP email server for sending notifications
SendGridReliable transactional email delivery service
Amazon SESCost-effective email sending via Amazon Web Services
MailgunPowerful API-based email delivery for developers
PostmarkFast, reliable transactional email delivery service
MailjetEmail marketing and transactional email platform
MandrillTransactional email service by Mailchimp
Elastic EmailAffordable email marketing and delivery platform
ResendModern email API for developers

Workflow Orchestration Integrations #

IntegrationDescription
AirflowApache Airflow integration for complex data pipeline workflows
PrefectModern workflow orchestration for data engineering pipelines
TemporalDurable workflow execution engine for complex processes
HuginnOpen-source automation platform for building data-driven workflows

Testing Webhook Integrations #

Webhook Basics:

  • Form submits → Webhook fires → External system receives data
  • Real-time data transfer
  • Custom endpoint configuration
  • JSON payload with form data

Webhook Testing Steps:

  1. Setup Webhook:
  • Configure webhook URL in Integrations panel
  • Set HTTP method (POST recommended)
  • Add authentication headers if needed
  • Save configuration
  1. Create Test Endpoint:
  • Use webhook testing services (e.g., webhook.site, requestbin.com)
  • Copy test URL
  • Paste into form webhook settings
  1. Submit Test Form:
  • Enable test mode
  • Complete and submit form
  • Check test endpoint for received data
  1. Verify Webhook Data:
  • Confirm webhook fired
  • Check JSON structure correct
  • Verify all fields included
  • Test authentication headers sent
  • Check timestamp format

Webhook Testing Tools:

  • webhook.site – Free webhook testing
  • RequestBin – Capture and inspect webhooks
  • Postman – Test webhook endpoints
  • ngrok – Test local development webhooks

Testing Email Marketing Integrations #

Example: Mailchimp Integration Testing

  1. Connect Integration:
  • Navigate to Integrations panel in builder
  • Find Mailchimp in email marketing category
  • Click “Connect”
  • Authenticate with Mailchimp account
  • Select audience/list
  • Map form fields to Mailchimp fields
  1. Field Mapping:
  • Map email field to Mailchimp email
  • Map name fields to first/last name
  • Map custom fields if needed
  • Save configuration
  1. Submit Test Form:
  • Enable test mode
  • Submit form with test email
  • Wait 1-2 minutes for sync
  1. Verify in Mailchimp:
  • Log into Mailchimp account
  • Navigate to selected audience
  • Find test contact added
  • Verify field data mapped correctly
  • Check tags/segments applied

Integration Testing Checklist:

  • [ ] Integration connected successfully
  • [ ] Fields mapped correctly
  • [ ] Test submission syncs data
  • [ ] Data appears in connected system
  • [ ] All fields populated correctly
  • [ ] Tags/categories assigned properly
  • [ ] Error handling works (invalid data)
  • [ ] Multiple submissions sync correctly

Clearing Test Data #

Why Clear Test Data:

  • Keeps responses clean and organized
  • Prevents confusion with production data
  • Maintains accurate analytics
  • Prepares form for launch

How to Clear Test Data:

  1. Navigate to Responses:
  • Go to Responses page in dashboard
  • Or view form-specific responses
  1. Filter Test Submissions:
  • Use test mode filter
  • Select “Test Submissions Only”
  • View only test data
  1. Bulk Delete:
  • Select all test submissions
  • Click “Delete Selected” button
  • Confirm deletion
  • Test data removed permanently

When to Clear Test Data:

  • After completing all testing
  • Before launching form publicly
  • Regularly during development
  • Before sharing analytics/reports
  • When switching from test to production

Best Practices:

  • Clear test data before final launch
  • Keep test mode ON until ready
  • Document test scenarios completed
  • Export test data if needed for records
  • Final clear right before going live

Tips and Tricks #

Comprehensive Testing Workflow:

  1. Enable test mode in dashboard
  2. Submit form multiple times with different data
  3. Check thank you page/redirect each time
  4. Verify email notifications received
  5. Check integration data synced
  6. Review responses list for test submissions
  7. Test on multiple devices
  8. Clear test data when satisfied

End-to-End Testing Checklist:

  • [ ] Test mode enabled
  • [ ] Form submission completes successfully
  • [ ] Thank you page displays correctly
  • [ ] Redirect works (if configured)
  • [ ] Admin email notification received
  • [ ] Autoresponder email sent to user
  • [ ] Webhook integration fires correctly
  • [ ] Email marketing integration syncs contact
  • [ ] Analytics tracking fires (test with browser tools)
  • [ ] Test data appears in responses list
  • [ ] Test submission marked clearly
  • [ ] All dynamic content populates correctly

Efficient Testing Strategy:

  1. Test happy path first (everything works)
  2. Test error scenarios (validation, required fields)
  3. Test edge cases (long text, special characters)
  4. Test integrations one at a time
  5. Document what was tested
  6. Clear test data between major test rounds

Multiple Scenario Testing:

  • Submit with minimum required fields
  • Submit with all fields completed
  • Submit with conditional logic paths
  • Submit with different answer combinations
  • Submit from different devices
  • Submit at different times of day (if time-sensitive)

Important Notes #

Test Mode Requirements:

  • Must be enabled in dashboard (not builder)
  • Applies to all forms in project
  • Toggle off when ready for production
  • Easy to forget – double check before launch!

Integration Testing Limitations:

  • Some integrations have rate limits
  • API keys may differ (test vs. production)
  • External services may have delays
  • Network issues can affect testing
  • Not all integrations support sandbox/test mode

Email Delivery Timing:

  • Emails typically arrive within 1-5 minutes
  • Check spam folders
  • Some providers slower than others
  • High volume can cause delays
  • Test multiple times to confirm consistency

Webhook Reliability:

  • Webhooks fire once per submission
  • No automatic retry on failure
  • Test endpoint must be reachable
  • Authentication must be correct
  • Timeout limits apply

Common Issues & Troubleshooting #

Thank You Page Not Showing:

  • Solution: Check thank you page configured in form settings
  • Solution: Verify redirect not overriding thank you page
  • Solution: Check browser console for JavaScript errors
  • Solution: Test in different browser

Redirect Not Working:

  • Solution: Verify redirect URL is valid and accessible
  • Solution: Check URL includes https:// protocol
  • Solution: Test URL manually in browser
  • Solution: Check for conditional redirect conflicts
  • Solution: Ensure redirect enabled in settings

Email Notifications Not Received:

  • Solution: Check spam/junk folders
  • Solution: Verify email address configured correctly
  • Solution: Confirm email notifications enabled in settings
  • Solution: Wait 5-10 minutes (delivery delays)
  • Solution: Use “Send Test Email” feature first
  • Solution: Check email service provider status

Webhook Not Firing:

  • Solution: Verify webhook URL is correct and reachable
  • Solution: Check authentication headers if required
  • Solution: Test endpoint with webhook.site first
  • Solution: Review webhook logs (if available)
  • Solution: Ensure test mode enabled when testing

Integration Not Syncing Data:

  • Solution: Verify integration is connected and authorized
  • Solution: Check field mapping is correct
  • Solution: Re-authenticate integration connection
  • Solution: Test with simple data first
  • Solution: Check external service for errors/logs
  • Solution: Verify API keys valid and have permissions

Test Data Not Marked:

  • Solution: Confirm test mode was enabled before submission
  • Solution: Check test mode toggle in dashboard
  • Solution: Resubmit with test mode definitely enabled
  • Solution: Manually mark submissions as test (if feature available)

Can’t Delete Test Data:

  • Solution: Verify you have permission to delete responses
  • Solution: Check you’re filtering for test submissions
  • Solution: Try deleting individually instead of bulk
  • Solution: Refresh page and try again
  • Solution: Contact support if issue persists

Dynamic Content Not Populating in Emails:

  • Solution: Check field name placeholders match exactly
  • Solution: Verify field has value in test submission
  • Solution: Test with required fields only
  • Solution: Review email template syntax
  • Solution: Use “Send Test Email” to debug template

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