How do I create a contact form in WordPress?

Applies to: WordPress.org (self-hosted)
Last updated: May 2025

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Problem

You want visitors to be able to reach you through your website—without displaying your email address publicly—but you’re not sure how to build or embed a contact form.

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Solution

The easiest way to add a contact form in WordPress is by using a form plugin. These plugins allow you to create forms without coding, and include features like email notifications, spam protection, and file uploads.

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Step-by-Step: Create a Contact Form with a Plugin

Recommended Plugin: WPForms (Lite)

1. Go to Plugins > Add New
2. Search for WPForms
3. Click Install Now, then Activate

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Create Your First Form

1. Go to WPForms > Add New
2. Choose a template (e.g., Simple Contact Form)
3. Use the drag-and-drop builder to:
   • Add name, email, message fields (or others like phone, dropdowns, etc.)
   • Rearrange fields by dragging
4. Click Save

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Configure Form Settings

• Go to the Settings tab inside the form editor
• Set the confirmation message or redirect page
• Go to Notifications to set the email address where submissions will be sent (default is admin email)

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Add the Form to a Page or Post

1. Open the page or post where you want the form
2. Click the + (Add Block) button
3. Select the WPForms block
4. Choose your form from the dropdown
5. Update or publish the page

✅ Your form is now live.

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Alternative Form Plugins

• Contact Form 7 – Free and very flexible (manual styling, shortcode-based)
• Ninja Forms – Drag-and-drop with extensions
• Formidable Forms – Great for complex or advanced forms
• Gravity Forms – Premium plugin with powerful integrations

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Tips

• Use Google reCAPTCHA to block spam (WPForms and others support this)
• Test your form after publishing to ensure submissions are delivered correctly
• Use a plugin like WP Mail SMTP to improve email deliverability
• Always include a privacy notice if collecting personal data (for GDPR compliance)