Project Setup

Prepare Your Google Form

Before you can use Smart Form Notifications, you must have a Google Form ready to receive responses. This form serves as the foundation for your automation.

Pre-Flight Checklist

Ensure 'Collect email addresses' is enabled in Form Settings.
Verify each question has a unique, short title.
Remove any empty or 'Untitled' questions.
Check that 'Limit to 1 response' is OFF for testing.
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Step 1: Create Your Form

Go to forms.google.com and start a new blank form. Give it a clear title like "Customer Inquiry" or "Job Application". This title will be used in your notification markers.

Open Google Forms
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Step 2: Add Essential Question Types

Email Address

Essential

Use a 'Short Answer' question. This allows you to use the {{Email}} merge tag to send automatic receipts back to respondents.

Multiple Choice / Dropdown

Logic

Perfect for Conditional Logic. Route emails to different teams (e.g., Sales vs. Support) based on the user's selection.

File Upload

Advanced

If you want to receive resumes or receipts. The add-on can automatically attach these files to your notification emails.

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Step 3: Organize for Merge Tags

The names of your questions will become your Merge Tags (Variables). Use clear labels to make personalization easier.

Video: How to use Markers for Personalized Subjects

Keep it Simple

Use clear labels like "Name" instead of long sentences. Your markers will look like {{Name}}.

Avoid Special Characters

Keep titles alphanumeric to ensure the dynamic markers are easy to read and insert.

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Step 4: Launching the Sidebar

Watch how to access the add-on interface directly from your Google Form header menu:

Video: Interface Guide: Opening the Sidebar

  • 1
    Click the puzzle icon at the top right of your Google Form.
  • 2
    Select 'Smart Form Notifications' from the list.
  • 3
    Click 'Open' to reveal the configuration sidebar.

Note: If you add new questions later, click "Refresh Fields" in the sidebar variables panel.

Next: Design Your Template