Fixing Umbraco Forms Scroll Issues: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey everyone, let's dive into a common Umbraco Forms hiccup: the ScrollToFormScript not working as expected. If you're using Umbraco Forms, you might have noticed that after submitting a form located far down the page, you're not automatically scrolled down to see the "Thank You" message. This can be frustrating, but don't worry, we'll walk through the issue and find a fix. We will discuss Umbraco Forms scroll issue, and how to properly use the ScrollToFormScript in Umbraco Forms.

Umbraco Forms Scroll Issue: The Problem

So, the user is experiencing a frustrating issue with the ScrollToFormScript in Umbraco Forms. After submitting a form, especially those placed lower on the page, the user isn't automatically scrolled down to see the confirmation message. This is exactly where the ScrollToFormScript should kick in, but it seems like it's not doing its job. This is definitely not the desired behavior! It's like sending a message into the void. This means the user has to manually scroll down to see if the form submission was successful or not, which can definitely ruin the user experience. The setup involves a simple form, a default workflow with a "Thank You" message, and placing the form far down on a page. When submitting, the page reloads, but the scroll doesn't adjust. Basically, the ScrollToFormScript isn't working as it should, failing to scroll the user to the success message after form submission. This makes the user's experience less intuitive, which is what we don't want.

This behavior is particularly noticeable when the form is placed far down a webpage. The user submits the form, expecting to see a confirmation message, but instead, they're left at the top of the page, potentially missing the crucial feedback. This can lead to confusion and a poor user experience. The core of the problem lies in the interaction between the form submission, the page reload, and the ScrollToFormScript's execution. The script, intended to scroll the page to the confirmation message or form, appears to be failing, leaving the user stranded. This issue can stem from various factors, including how the script is implemented, conflicts with other JavaScript on the page, or even the way Umbraco Forms handles form submissions and page reloads. Let's dig deeper to see if we can get this fixed.

As the user correctly points out, the expected behavior is for the page to scroll to the "Thank You" message, providing immediate feedback to the user that the form has been submitted successfully. The fact that this isn't happening suggests a potential issue with the script's execution or its integration within the Umbraco Forms framework. We need to troubleshoot the ScrollToFormScript and figure out why it's not working, so we can make the form submission experience smooth and intuitive for everyone. Ultimately, fixing this is all about making sure users have a seamless experience when interacting with forms on your Umbraco site.

The Setup and Expected Behavior

The user's setup is pretty standard:

• A simple contact form.
• Default workflow with a "Thank You" message (set in the "Message on Submit" field).
• The form placed far down the page.

When the form is submitted, the page reloads, and the user expects to be scrolled down to see the confirmation message. This is a fundamental part of good user experience. When a user submits a form, they need immediate confirmation that their submission has been received. This confirmation usually comes in the form of a success message, which is displayed after the form is submitted. In this instance, the success message is a "Thank You" message. If the user isn't scrolled down to this message, they might not even realize their form submission was successful. This can leave them confused and unsure if their data was actually submitted. So, getting the scroll functionality working correctly is a must-have for a user-friendly form.

If the page doesn't scroll to the confirmation message after a form submission, it can lead to confusion. The user might think the form didn't submit correctly, or they might not even realize that a submission was successful, as we talked about. This can affect how the users perceive your site, and how they interact with it. So, a working scroll function is key to great user experience.

Troubleshooting the ScrollToFormScript

Alright, let's roll up our sleeves and troubleshoot why the ScrollToFormScript isn't behaving as expected. The first thing we need to do is to check the core of the problem, and make sure that the script is implemented correctly. This script is often called within the "Submitted.cshtml" file in Umbraco Forms, so check and make sure that the script is, in fact, implemented, to begin with. Then, we will look at some of the common culprits and how to fix them, or how to implement a fix to get things moving. Let's make sure the script is properly included and that there are no conflicts that might be interfering.

Verify Script Inclusion

First, make sure the ScrollToFormScript.cshtml partial view is correctly included in your Submitted.cshtml file. This partial view should contain the JavaScript responsible for scrolling the page. Double-check the file path and ensure it's rendering on the page after the form submission. Check if this script is actually being called after the form is submitted. You might want to use your browser's developer tools (like the console) to verify that the script is running. Look for any JavaScript errors that might be preventing the scroll from occurring. Often, the easiest way to confirm this is to add a simple console.log('Scroll script running!'); statement at the beginning of the script and see if that message appears in the console after submitting the form. If it doesn't, there's a problem with the script's inclusion or execution.

Examine the umbracoforms.js file

As the user pointed out, the umbracoforms.js file might not have the scroll functionality that we need. Inspect the umbracoforms.js file for any scroll-related functions or event handlers. Make sure there's a mechanism in place to identify the form's submission and trigger the scroll action. The script should target the #umbraco-forms-form-submitted element or a similar identifier. This ensures that the page scrolls to the correct location after the form submission. If the script only handles scrolling for error messages, it might not be equipped to handle successful submissions. We will cover this in detail further down.

Check for JavaScript Conflicts

Another thing that could be causing a problem is conflicting scripts. Check for any other JavaScript libraries or custom scripts on the page that could be interfering with the ScrollToFormScript. This can cause all kinds of weird behavior. Sometimes, a script that's included later on the page can overwrite or conflict with the scroll function. Use your browser's developer tools to see if there are any JavaScript errors. These errors can provide valuable clues about script conflicts. Try temporarily disabling other scripts to see if the scroll behavior improves. If it does, you've found a conflict. Then, you can figure out how to resolve the conflict (e.g., by changing the order of script inclusions or modifying the conflicting script).

Implementing a Fix or Workaround

If the ScrollToFormScript isn't working as expected, we might need to implement a fix or a workaround. There are several ways to tackle this. Let's look at a few strategies to get that scroll working correctly. We could create a custom script that specifically targets the successful form submission and scrolls the page. This will override what Umbraco Forms has by default. We can also modify the existing script to make sure it includes the proper scroll functionality. And finally, there's always the option of using a third-party library to handle the scrolling.

Custom JavaScript Solution

One approach is to create a custom JavaScript function that targets the form's "Thank You" message or the #umbraco-forms-form-submitted element. This involves writing a new script or modifying the existing one to add a function that scrolls the page to the desired location after a successful form submission. Make sure that your custom script is loaded after the Umbraco Forms script, so it can correctly override the default behavior. Use the window.scrollTo() method to scroll the page. The general idea is to listen for the form submission and trigger the scroll function. Make sure that the script correctly identifies the target element where you want to scroll to. For example, you might use #umbraco-forms-form-submitted, or the ID of the div where your "Thank You" message appears.

Here is some example code for a custom script:

document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {
  const form = document.querySelector('.umbraco-forms-form');

  if (form) {
    form.addEventListener('submit', function(event) {
      // Prevent default form submission to handle it manually
      // event.preventDefault();

      // Add a small delay to allow Umbraco Forms to process the submission
      setTimeout(function() {
        const thankYouMessage = document.querySelector('#umbraco-forms-form-submitted');

        if (thankYouMessage) {
          thankYouMessage.scrollIntoView({
            behavior: 'smooth',
            block: 'start',
          });
        }
      }, 200);
    });
  }
});

Modify the Existing Script

Another option is to modify the existing umbracoforms.js file (or the ScrollToFormScript.cshtml partial view) to include the desired scroll behavior. Locate the section of the script that handles form submissions and add the window.scrollTo() function to scroll the page after a successful submission. This might involve identifying the correct event to trigger the scroll action. Add some code that scrolls the window to the desired position. This might be the top of the form, the "Thank You" message, or the top of the #umbraco-forms-form-submitted element. Make sure that you clear the cache after editing the .js file. Otherwise, the changes will not take effect. Remember to back up the original script before making any changes. This way, you can easily revert if something goes wrong.

Third-Party Library

If you prefer to avoid custom scripting, you can use a third-party library to handle the scrolling. Libraries like jQuery (if you're using it) or other scroll-to-element plugins can simplify the implementation. Integrate the library into your Umbraco project and use its functions to scroll the page to the target element. Be sure to check the library's documentation for instructions on how to use it with your specific setup. Then, you can use the library's functions to scroll the page. This is usually pretty simple, as the libraries are designed to make it very easy to implement.

Best Practices and Recommendations

Now that we've covered the fixes, here are some best practices to keep in mind. Proper planning and careful implementation will prevent issues like this from happening in the first place.

Test Thoroughly

After implementing any fix, thoroughly test your form submissions on different devices and browsers. Make sure that the page scrolls correctly and that the user experience is consistent across all platforms. Check on multiple devices to make sure that the experience is good, no matter where the user is browsing from. Test different browsers and screen sizes to ensure that the scroll behavior is consistent across all devices. This helps identify any edge cases or unexpected behavior.

Keep Umbraco Forms Updated

Make sure your Umbraco Forms installation is up to date. Updating to the latest version often includes bug fixes and performance improvements that could resolve the scrolling issue. Check the release notes for any known issues and fixes related to form submissions or scrolling. Consider any new features or improvements that might address the scrolling problem.

Optimize Your Forms

Keep your forms simple and user-friendly. Avoid long forms with unnecessary fields, as they can increase the likelihood of scrolling issues. Make sure that the form's design is responsive and adapts well to different screen sizes. This ensures that the forms are easy to use on any device.

Consider User Experience

Always prioritize the user experience. The goal is to provide a seamless and intuitive experience. Ensure that the form submission process is clear and straightforward. The user should always be aware of what is happening. Use clear and concise language in your confirmation messages. Make sure that the design of your site is user-friendly and helps the user to understand what's happening. The easier the form is to use, the better.

Conclusion: Making the Scroll Smooth

So, there you have it, guys. We've tackled the "ScrollToFormScript not working" issue in Umbraco Forms. We've gone over the problem, how to troubleshoot it, and a few different ways to get that scroll working again. Whether you choose to modify the existing script, create a custom solution, or use a third-party library, the goal is the same: to make sure your users have a smooth and intuitive experience when submitting forms on your Umbraco site. By following these steps and best practices, you can ensure that your forms work as expected and provide a great user experience. Remember to test thoroughly and always prioritize the user's journey. Keep in mind that a little bit of extra effort in the beginning can go a long way in providing a great experience. Happy coding, and keep those scrolls smooth!