Appendix A: Sample Forms

Overview

InfoPath includes a number of sample forms that you can use straight out of the box or use as a starting point for your own development. This appendix incorporates a listing of all of the different sample forms that are available, as well as a brief description and listing of features that demonstrate different InfoPath features. And since you are probably going to use one (or more) of these forms as a starting point for your own development, the second half of the appendix will show you how to incorporate these forms into your own applications and systems, including how to view the underlying XML schema that has a sample schema for you to look through.

When customizing these sample forms, there are some limitations that you should be aware of—first, you will not be able to automatically create the data source “on-the-fly” when adding new controls to your form. You will need to bind these controls to an existing field or group within the data source you are working with. Second, you will not be able to modify the existing fields or groups within the data source and you may not be able to add fields or groups depending on the form and the data source in use.

In this scenario, you will need to identify if the form itself can be modified to meet your needs and if the underlying data schema needs extending. If you need additional fields and are unable to add them when customizing the form, you may need to consider using the form’s underlying XML schema as the source for your own schema development or consider re-creating the data source and form using the sample form as a guide.