Collapsible Sections is a WordPress plugin that adds expand/collapse functionality to the native Section fields in Gravity Forms.
Once installed, you can turn any Section into a collapsible panel—like an accordion—with the click of a checkbox. This means:
-
Users can expand only the part of the form they need
-
Other parts remain hidden until needed
-
You can reduce scroll fatigue
-
You can group related fields under clear headings
It doesn’t replace the multi-page form functionality, but rather enhances single-page forms by making them more compact, organized, and digestible.
Why Use Collapsible Sections in Gravity Forms?
Let’s face it: if your form looks overwhelming at first glance, most users will bounce.
Long, multi-question forms are intimidating. Users fear:
-
Wasting too much time
-
Making a mistake
-
Getting stuck
-
Revealing too much info upfront
By using collapsible sections, you instantly improve perceived simplicity. Users see clear categories instead of a giant wall of fields.
Here’s why that matters:
1. Improved User Experience
Collapsible panels keep forms tidy and organized. Users feel in control and are less likely to get overwhelmed.
2. Higher Completion Rates
When users see smaller chunks of the form, they’re more likely to stick with it to the end—especially on mobile devices.
3. Better Mobile UX
On mobile, scrolling through 30+ fields is a nightmare. With collapsible sections, you can condense the form and improve usability on smaller screens.
4. Enhanced Professionalism
Expandable sections make your forms look modern, clean, and dynamic. This improves trust—especially for brands asking for sensitive or personal data.
5. Perfect for Conditional Logic
When you combine collapsible sections with Gravity Forms’ conditional logic, you can show/hide entire groups of fields based on user selections.
Who Should Use This Plugin?
If you build forms with more than 10 fields—or want to display related fields in logical chunks—this plugin is for you.
It’s especially useful for:
-
Agencies designing client onboarding forms
-
Course creators with custom intake questions
-
Developers building apps with Gravity Forms as the UI
-
Healthcare providers collecting medical history
-
Event organizers asking for attendee details
-
HR teams creating job applications
-
Government or institutional websites with complex forms
In short, anyone using Gravity Forms to collect detailed input will benefit.
Key Features of the Collapsible Sections Plugin
Here’s what the plugin offers out of the box:
1. Enable Collapsible on Any Section
In the form builder, each Section field now includes a checkbox to make it collapsible. No custom HTML or coding required.
2. Custom Open/Close Labels
Choose what label to show when the section is collapsed or expanded:
-
“Click to expand”
-
“View questions”
-
“More details”
-
“Hide section”
-
Or any custom text
This adds clarity and control to the user interface.
3. Default State: Open or Closed
You can choose whether each section loads:
-
Open (ideal for the first section or required content)
-
Closed (great for optional or advanced settings)
This allows you to guide the user journey effectively.
4. Multiple Panels or Accordion Behavior
You can allow:
-
Multiple sections to be open at once, or
-
Only one open at a time (accordion style)
This gives you flexibility depending on your form’s complexity.
5. Smooth Slide Animation
Transitions between open/closed states use smooth sliding animations—adding visual polish without affecting performance.
6. Custom Icons or Indicators
Many themes allow customization of icons to indicate expanded/collapsed states. You can use plus/minus, arrows, or other icons to suit your branding.
7. Works with Conditional Logic
You can show or hide collapsible sections based on:
-
Prior selections
-
Checkbox or radio answers
-
User roles or URL parameters
-
Any of Gravity Forms’ conditional logic rules
This helps you create truly smart, interactive forms.
8. Fully Responsive
The plugin works seamlessly on:
-
Desktops
-
Tablets
-
Smartphones
It uses native HTML/CSS transitions for optimal performance and mobile support.
9. No Shortcodes or Extra Code
Everything is integrated into the Gravity Forms editor. Just drag a Section field, click “Enable Collapsible,” and you’re done.
10. Lightweight and Compatible
The plugin is:
-
Compatible with most themes
-
Designed to avoid conflicts with other Gravity Forms add-ons
-
Cleanly coded and optimized for speed
Real-World Use Cases
Let’s explore how different websites are using Collapsible Sections in real-life projects:
Job Application Form
An HR department uses Gravity Forms for hiring. The form includes:
-
Personal info
-
Education
-
Work history
-
References
-
Uploads
Instead of showing everything at once, they divide each category into a collapsible panel, making the form more approachable and reducing applicant stress.
Medical Intake Form
A health clinic uses the plugin to collect patient information, grouped into sections like:
-
Personal info
-
Medical history
-
Current symptoms
-
Insurance details
Collapsible sections allow patients to focus on one area at a time. It also helps staff verify input faster.
Course Registration
A coaching site collects detailed info during course signup. They use collapsible panels for:
-
Contact details
-
Experience level
-
Course interests
-
Payment info
Mobile users can collapse panels they’ve completed and move on without endless scrolling.
Client Onboarding for Agencies
A web design agency gathers onboarding info using Gravity Forms. They separate sections like:
-
Brand information
-
Design preferences
-
Technical requirements
-
Budget and goals
Using collapsible sections makes the form feel lighter and more client-friendly.
How to Set Up Collapsible Sections in Gravity Forms
Setup is quick and painless. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Install Gravity Forms
Ensure you have the latest version of Gravity Forms installed and activated on your WordPress site.
Step 2: Install the Collapsible Sections Plugin
Download and install the Collapsible Sections plugin from a trusted source like Themexplug. Activate it via your WordPress dashboard.
Step 3: Create a Form or Edit an Existing One
Open a form in Forms > Edit.
Step 4: Add Section Fields
Drag in one or more Section fields where you want to break up your form.
Step 5: Enable Collapsible Option
Click on a Section field. You’ll see a new checkbox: “Enable Collapsible Section”.
-
Check it
-
Choose default state (open or closed)
-
Set your toggle labels (optional)
Repeat for any section you want collapsible.
Step 6: Customize Style (Optional)
Use your theme customizer or custom CSS to adjust:
-
Icon styles
-
Section borders or colors
-
Typography and spacing
Step 7: Test Your Form
Preview the form and test the toggle behavior on desktop and mobile. Tweak settings as needed.
You’re now live with collapsible, UX-friendly forms.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-
Instantly improves form readability
-
No coding or shortcodes needed
-
Works natively inside Gravity Forms
-
Great for long or multi-section forms
-
Mobile-friendly and responsive
-
Enhances conditional logic use
-
Lightweight and performance-friendly
-
Easy for clients to manage
Cons
-
Only works with Section fields (not individual field toggles)
-
May require light CSS tweaks for full branding match
-
Not ideal for super short forms (adds unnecessary toggles)
Still, for most use cases involving 10+ fields, it’s an ideal enhancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make only one section open at a time (like an accordion)?
Yes. You can configure this in the plugin settings to limit open panels to one at a time.
Does this work with page breaks?
Yes, but Collapsible Sections are meant for single-page forms. If you’re using page breaks already, this plugin enhances on-page section behavior.
Will it work with AJAX forms?
Yes, it works with both standard and AJAX-enabled Gravity Forms.
Can I use it with conditional logic?
Absolutely. You can use Gravity Forms’ conditional logic to show/hide entire collapsible sections.
Can users collapse/expand sections on mobile?
Yes. The toggle icons and animation are fully responsive.
Final Verdict: Is the Collapsible Sections Plugin Worth It?
Absolutely. If you use Gravity Forms to create medium or long forms, the Collapsible Sections plugin is a game-changer.
It improves:
-
Readability
-
Usability
-
Mobile experience
-
Completion rates
-
Brand perception
It’s not flashy, but it’s functional—and those are the best kinds of plugins.
For the price (especially via marketplaces like Themexplug), this is an easy win for UX and customer satisfaction.
Get Collapsible Sections for Gravity Forms on Themexplug
Ready to make your Gravity Forms cleaner, smarter, and easier to complete?
Get the Collapsible Sections – Gravity Forms WordPress Plugin today at Themexplug and enjoy:
-
Unlimited installs
-
Lifetime updates
-
One-click collapsible fields
-
Seamless Gravity Forms integration
-
Improved UX without extra effort
Don’t lose users to long forms. Give them structure—and a better experience—with collapsible sections.