The Mandatory setting in Gatheroo lets you mark a field as required, meaning your client cannot select “n/a” for that question and submit the request without an answer.
It is one of the most commonly used field settings and applies to almost every field type available in Gatheroo.
What Does Mandatory Mean?
When a field is set to Mandatory, Gatheroo will prevent your client from selecting “n/a” for that question, they cannot complete the request until that question has been answered.
The field is visually indicated as required, and the “n/a” toggle will not show, so the client knows it cannot be skipped.
If the client tries to submit without completing a mandatory field, they will receive a prompt to go back and fill it in before they can proceed. The progress bar will also show them that they have not finished answering all the questions.
How to Make a Field Mandatory
- Open the request and navigate to the section containing the field.
- Click the settings icon on the field you want to make mandatory.
- In the field settings panel, toggle Mandatory to on.
- Save your changes.
The mandatory indicator will now appear on the field when the request is viewed by your end client.
Which Field Types Support The Mandatory Field Setting?
The Mandatory setting is available on all standard field types, including Single Text Line, Text Area, File Upload, Name, Address, Phone, Link, Multi-Choice, Single Select, List, Date, and Date Range fields.
It is not applicable to read-only display fields such as the Text Description field.
Tips for Using Mandatory Fields
- Only mark fields as mandatory if they are truly required. Forcing clients to fill in too many fields can create friction and increase the chance they abandon the request.
- Consider using conditional logic alongside mandatory fields. If a follow-up field only appears under certain conditions, you can still mark it as mandatory so it must be completed if it appears.
- Review your mandatory fields before sending a request to make sure the experience is as smooth as possible for your client.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a field mandatory after the request has been sent?
Yes, you can edit field settings on an active request. However, changes may affect clients who are in the process of completing the request, so it is best to review all settings before sending.
Does mandatory fields apply inside repeatable groups?
Yes. If a field within a repeatable group is marked mandatory, the client must complete it for each instance of the group they add.
How do I make certain fields required in a client form?
Most form and intake tools let you toggle a ‘required’ or ‘mandatory’ setting on individual fields.
This means the client cannot submit the form without completing those fields.
In Gatheroo, the Mandatory setting is available on any field, turn it on for any information you must have before you can begin work.
Should I make all fields required in a client intake form?
Not necessarily.
Marking every field as required can frustrate clients who don’t have all the information immediately.
It’s better to make only truly essential fields mandatory, things you genuinely cannot proceed without.
Leave optional fields as non-mandatory so clients can complete what they have and return later if needed.