form.io
Self-HostedOpen-source form builder and auto-generated API management platform
Overview
Form.io is an open-source platform combining drag-and-drop form building with auto-generated REST APIs. It allows users to create custom forms, generate secure data APIs instantly, and manage submissions with role-based access control. Deployable via Docker or self-hosted on your server, it supports MongoDB integration, conditional form logic, file uploads, and webhooks. Ideal for developers needing form-driven apps without manual API setup, ensuring data privacy and full control when self-hosted. It balances no-code ease with developer flexibility for customizations.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop form builder with conditional logic
- Auto-generated REST APIs for form data
- Role-based access control (RBAC)
- Docker deployable for self-hosting
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is form.io hard to install?
Form.io is easy to install via Docker—just pull the official image and run it alongside a MongoDB container. For custom setups, you can clone the GitHub repo and deploy on your server, but basic self-hosting is straightforward with containerization.
? Is it a good alternative to Typeform?
Yes—form.io offers similar drag-and-drop form building but with open-source flexibility and self-hosting options. Unlike Typeform, it auto-generates APIs for your forms, giving you full control over data storage and integration with custom apps.
? Is it completely free?
The core form.io platform is open source and free to self-host with no licensing costs. They offer paid cloud plans for managed hosting and additional features like priority support, but self-hosted users get full access to all core functionalities at no charge.
Top Alternatives
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Full data control via self-hosting
- ⊕ Reduces API development time significantly
- ⊕ No-code interface with developer-friendly customization options
Cons
- ⊖ Requires server setup for self-hosting
- ⊖ Advanced features have a learning curve
- ⊖ Limited pre-built templates compared to SaaS alternatives