Publish and Share Google Forms

Introduction

Google has recently updated the user interface for Google Forms, introducing a new workflow for creating, publishing, and sharing forms. This update aims to give users greater control over form distribution and access.

The key changes include:

• A **Publish** button, which must be clicked to make the form available for responders.
• The ability to **Manage Responders**, allowing you to specify individual users or set the form to only be accessible by users within **Riverdale Country School**.
• A new process for sharing a **Responder Link** directly via email.

This article will guide you through these changes step by step.

Step 1: Publishing Your Form

Before sharing your form, it must be published. This is a required step in the new Google Forms workflow.

1. Open your Google Form.
2. Click the **Publish** button located in the top-right corner of the form editor.
3. A confirmation window will appear. Click **Confirm** to publish your form.

  * Once published, your form will be available for responders based on the settings you choose in the next step.

Step 2: Managing Responders

After publishing, you can control who has access to the form using the new **Manage Responders** feature.

1. In the Google Forms toolbar, click on **Settings** (gear icon).
2. Navigate to the **Responders** tab.
3. Choose one of the following options:

  * **Individual Responders**: Add specific email addresses of people who can access your form.  
  * **Riverdale Country School**: Restrict access to users with an @riverdale.edu email address.  

1. Click **Save** to apply these settings.

Step 3: Sharing the Responder Link

Once your form is published and responders are managed, you can share the link.

1. In the toolbar, click the **Send** button (paper plane icon).
2. Under the **Link** tab, click **Copy** to copy the responder link to your clipboard.

  * Optionally, click **Shorten URL** to generate a shorter link.  

1. Open your email application and compose a message to the responders.
2. Paste the responder link into the email and send it.

Conclusion

The new Google Forms workflow simplifies form distribution while giving you more control over access. By following the steps to publish your form, manage responders, and share the link, you can ensure your forms reach the right audience securely.

For further assistance, contact the **Riverdale IT Department**.