Overview
Gravity Forms shortcodes allow you to embed forms in WordPress pages and posts. While the block editor can generate shortcodes automatically, understanding the available parameters like theme, AJAX settings, and field defaults gives you more control over form behavior and appearance.
If you’re using the standard WordPress editor, it automatically generates shortcodes for you. This guide explains what those shortcodes do and how to customize them manually if needed.
Refer to the next section below if you just want further information on adding a form to your site.
How Shortcodes Work
WordPress shortcodes are placeholders that trigger specific functions when a page or post loads. The Gravity Forms form shortcode is the primary way to display a form on your site. It can be used anywhere shortcodes are supported, though most commonly you’ll add them to post or page content.
Example Form Shortcode
[gravityform id="1" title="false" description="false" ajax="true" tabindex="49" field_values="check=First Choice,Second Choice" theme="orbital"]
Parameters
The following parameters can be added to a shortcode. All are optional unless marked otherwise.
styles='{"theme":"","inputSize":"md","inputBorderRadius":"20","inputBorderColor":"#0693e3","inputBackgroundColor":"#fff","inputColor":"#112337","inputPrimaryColor":"#204ce5","labelFontSize":"20","labelColor":"#112337","descriptionColor":"#585e6a","buttonPrimaryBackgroundColor":"#7700e6","buttonPrimaryColor":"#fff"}'
Adding a Shortcode Using the Shortcode Block
If you are using the block editor and want to add a form using the shortcode (instead of the Gravity Forms block), use the Shortcode block, which is found under the Widgets category.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Note the form ID of the form you wish to insert on the page.
- Within the new block-based editor, bring up the (+) or “add new block” dialog where you would like to position it on the page.
- Use the search bar to find the Shortcode block and add it. See screenshot.
- Insert a valid Gravity Forms shortcode inside the shortcode block. Don’t forget to add the specific form ID you noted within the id=X argument. See screenshot.
- Preview your form, and make sure everything checks out
Common Issues
If you reference a form ID that doesn’t exist, you’ll see the message “Oops! We could not locate your form.” Double-check that the form ID in your shortcode matches an actual form in your WordPress admin.
If AJAX submission isn’t working, confirm that JavaScript is enabled in your browser and that no JavaScript errors are blocking the form submission. Check your browser’s developer console for errors.
If field values aren’t pre-filling, verify that your field_values parameter uses the correct field names and syntax. Field names are case-sensitive.
If styling isn’t applying, ensure your JSON in the styles parameter is valid. Invalid JSON will be ignored.
Extending Shortcodes
Other plugins can extend Gravity Forms shortcode functionality. Refer to this article for information on additional shortcode functionality that comes with our official User Registration plugin.