Change the Default Alignment of Field Labels
Usability testing has shown that a top to bottom layout is the best format for web forms. Web forms using top aligned labels and a single column layout consistently show faster completion times. Fast completion times can lead to increased usage, greater user satisfaction and more new submissions for publicly facing forms.
This formatting often leads to a longer form; however, most online users are more comfortable scrolling down a web form than having to provide multiple types of information on a single line.
Where to set your labels to top aligned:
Open the DataPage Wizard and go to the Configure Fields screen. Locate the DataPage Elements panel. Click on the New Section item. Under the Layout Options section you can change the label position default to Top.
You can still change the label positions of individual DataPage elements by selecting those elements in the DataPage Elements panel and adjusting the label position setting in the Advanced tab. If you do not see the Advanced tab, be sure to enable advanced options.
You assert that "Web forms using top aligned labels and a single column layout consistently show faster completion times".
I agree with the single column layout, and wrote about it in my piece "Two column forms are best avoided" http://www.usabilitynews.com/news/article2992.asp
There is much weaker evidence for the top aligned labels. If the form is a particularly simple one, and the users are expecting to give the information it asks for, and they use it only occasionally, then top aligned labels are quite likely to be a good choice. But not always, and certainly not consistently. More discussion here:http://www.usabilitynews.com/news/article3507.asp
I am pleased to see that you can change the position of the labels. The most crucial point: choose any arrangement of labels that seems harmonious to you, and then test it with *your* users and *your* form. Make changes based on what you find.
Caroline Jarrett
co-author "Forms that work: Designing web forms for usability"
http://www.formsthatwork.com
Thanks Caroline for your expert feedback. We really appreciate you taking the time to help Caspio developers create the best web forms possible.
It's certainly true that although general usability testing can provide interesting guidelines it is always necessary to consider one's own specific implementation and purposes.
Thanks again!