Have you ever wondered where to place your buttons at the end of your form? How you design your button is one thing, but where you place it can also affect form submissions.

There are three types of forms you need to consider: multi-page, multi-section, and single page form. The type of form you’re using will determine where you should place your submit button.

Multi-Page Forms

On multi-page forms, you’ll have more than one button. You’ll have a ‘back’ button that takes users to their previous page. And you’ll also have a ‘continue’ button that takes users to the next page.

Because these buttons behave like pagination, they should follow pagination conventions. Continue button goes on the right while the Back button goes on the left. This maps to the direction users want to go when they paginate.

Multi-Section Forms

Multi-section forms are long and consist of many fields grouped together. Aligning your button to the left can make users think that the action only applies to fields in that section. Aligning your button to the right gives users the impression that the button is an action that applies to the entire form.

Single Page Form

The fields on single page forms are almost always left aligned. Aligning your button to the left on single page forms allow users to find and click the button easier.

Users will scan the fields from left to right going down the form. A left aligned button is directly in their visual path when they get to the bottom of the form. It flows with the user’s scanning pattern so they can click it quickly without having to look for it.

Final Thoughts

Where you place your form buttons is important to consider. The submit button is responsible for receiving user information. If it’s not placed in a location where users expect, you could lose out on form submissions. Know what type of form you’re using and place your buttons where users expect it.

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