Developing Template Inputs

Template Inputs let you create custom forms to gather information needed for content creation. Build forms with text fields, dropdowns, and checkboxes to guide writers through providing essential details that shape the final content output.

Template Inputs are customizable forms within Orbit Flows that transform complex writing tasks into structured, easy-to-complete questionnaires.

These forms support four different field types:

• Short Text: For brief entries like titles, topics, or keywords (single line)

• Long Text: For detailed information requiring multiple sentences or paragraphs

• Dropdown: For selecting from predefined options, each with their own instructions

• Checkbox: For simple yes/no selections

1. Open your template and click on the Inputs page in the left sidebar

2. Click Add Field to create a new input field

3. Fill out the properties for each field:

   • Name: What you'll call this input field

   • Type: Select the appropriate field type

   • Description: Explain what information should be entered

   • Instructions: Define how this input should influence the content

   • Required: Toggle on if this field must be completed

Remember: Toggle on to save the value for future use

• Use Dropdowns for Variety: Include at least one dropdown in most templates to introduce diversity in your outputs. Examples include different hook types for social posts or varying email structures (narrative, bullet points, numbered lists)

• Clear Descriptions: Write clear, concise descriptions that guide users on exactly what information to provide

• Targeted Instructions: Create specific instructions that tell Flows how to use each input in the final content

• Required Fields: Mark critical inputs as required to ensure all necessary information is collected before proceeding

Why should I use dropdown inputs?

Dropdowns are particularly valuable for introducing variety into your content. Almost every template should include at least one dropdown input to prevent outputs from becoming too similar.

How do Template Inputs improve content creation?

Template Inputs streamline the content creation process by:

• Ensuring all necessary information is collected before writing begins

• Creating consistency across multiple pieces of content

• Breaking down complex writing tasks into manageable components

• Allowing for structured variation through dropdown options

• Saving time by remembering frequently used values