What Are Fragments?

Fragments are reusable blocks of formatted content: descriptions, graphics, instructions, and even read-only list column values. You can insert Fragments into SharePoint forms using Infowise Ultimate Forms. Whether you need to guide a user, show process diagrams, provide instructions in multiple languages, or just inject helpful context, Fragments make forms more user-friendly, informative, and interactive.

Unlike ordinary column-based content, fragments are not columns—they don’t collect input. Instead, they are content elements: help text, images, diagrams, or snippets of data displayed for reference. You can place them anywhere within your form alongside normal columns and other controls.

Core Features of Fragments

Here are the key capabilities of the Fragments functionality:

1. Formatted Text & Rich HTML
   Use the built-in rich-text editor to create content within fragments. The editor supports HTML, meaning you can style text, embed images, tables, or links for reference. You can also edit the HTML directly via Source mode. This allows you to tailor the look and feel beyond what basic editors might offer.

2. Graphics / Diagrams / Visual Aids
   Beyond just text, fragments allow embedded images or diagrams. This is helpful for process flow diagrams, onboarding visuals, safety instructions, or infographics.

3. Read-Only Data References
   You can use fragments to display values from list columns in a read-only mode. For instance, you could show summary data, calculated values, or previous entries that are not editable within the fragment. You can embed these values within the static text of the fragment to generate naturally flowing, dynamic text snippets.

4. Form Types / Context Awareness
   Fragments can be applied selectively: visible in New forms, Edit forms, or Display forms. You might want instructions visible during the New form, but hide them in Display forms once the item has been created. That flexibility ensures forms are clean and not cluttered when users don’t need the guidance. 

5. Multi-Language Support
   Fragments support versions of content in different languages. When the form is viewed in a particular language, the fragment displays its content in that language. This is crucial for multilingual organizations, ensuring users see instructions in whatever language is appropriate.

6. Spanning & Layout Control
   Fragments can be configured to span the full row of a tab even when the tab uses multiple layout columns. This ensures diagrammatic content or wide images are given full width, not forced to fit into a narrow column, which could reduce readability.

Why Fragments Matter in Practice

Fragments shift forms from utilitarian input screens into guided, contextualized tools. Here are the benefits:

• Improved Usability & Reduced Errors
  When users have instructions, diagrams, or process flow visible inline, they make fewer mistakes—especially for complex forms. They don’t have to refer to separate documentation or guess what a column means.

• Contextual Guidance
  Embedded help keeps guidance close to where it matters. For example, a fragment sitting beside a group of columns can explain the format, what’s expected, or show past values for reference.

• Cleaner Forms
  Instead of flooding forms with explanatory text or tooltips, fragments offer structured places for that content, which can be hidden or shown appropriately. This avoids overload and keeps forms more digestible.

• Multilingual Needs
  For organizations operating in multiple languages, fragments ensure users get relevant instructions in their preferred language automatically without separate forms or manual localization.

Use Cases: Where Fragments Shine

Here are concrete examples of how organizations might use fragments to improve their forms:

How to Use Fragments — Setup & Best Practices

To leverage fragments effectively, here are steps and tips:

Setting It Up

1. Access Form Designer: Go to the list in SharePoint where you want to use fragments and click on Design -> Form Designer.

2. Create the Fragment:

   • Use the rich text editor (or source HTML view) to compose your content (text, image, HTML).

   • Include column placeholders to enable dynamic values.

3. Upload Diagram / Graphic Assets (if needed):
   If the fragment includes images or diagrams, upload them into a library like Site Assets. Use those URLs in fragments.

4. Place the Fragment on the Form:
   Choose which container or tab should include the fragment.

5. Set Optional Permissions / Visibility Conditions:
   Optionally use permissions rules to define under which form types (New, Edit, Display), user roles or conditions it should appear.

1. Test Across Devices & Languages:
   Preview the form in different languages (if used) and on mobile vs desktop. Ensure diagrams display correctly, span full width where needed, and instructions make sense.

Best Practices

• Keep Content Concise: Fragments are for guidance or reference; don’t overload with long text or irrelevant detail.

• Use Visuals Where Helpful: Images or diagrams communicate complex information faster than blocks of text.

• Maintain Assets: If using diagrams, ensure versions remain current when processes change. If rules change, update fragments accordingly.

• Balance Visibility: Show fragments during data entry or when needed; hide them in display mode or when not relevant to reduce clutter.

• Performance Considerations: Large images, many fragments per form, or many conditions can impact render time. Optimize image size/compression and limit number of fragments when possible.

Advanced Tips & Feature Combinations

Fragments can be combined with other Ultimate Forms capabilities:

• Dynamic Permissions & Conditional Visibility
  Show a fragment only after certain columns are filled, or only for certain user groups. Example: show policy reminders only if a checkbox “Need Policy Review” is checked.

• Rule-Driven Logic
  Use rules to highlight or hide columns based on fragment content or user input. For example, a fragment shows instructions for “importing data” only when the user chooses “Yes” on an “Import Required?” column.

• Fragments in Training or Help-Modes
  Use fragments to build “help overlays” in forms—e.g., a fragment that shows help tips next to each section, visible only in some mode (or via a toggle).

• Localization / Multilanguage Fragments
  As noted, fragments support text per language. Maintain separate content per locale to provide culturally appropriate instructions.

What to Watch Out For / Limitations

While fragments are powerful and flexible, there are some caveats:

• Not Editable
  Fragments are read-only content. If you need interactive or input elements, use actual columns or controls, not fragments.

• Image Quality & Size
  Diagrams or images inserted via fragments should be optimized for size (file size, resolution) to avoid slow load or mobile performance issues.

• Complex HTML Risks
  Using custom HTML involves care: bad HTML can break layout or interfere with form rules. Ensure fragments’ HTML content is tested.

• Rules & Permissions Not Always Impacted by Fragments
  Fragments themselves can’t enforce business logic (they display content). If content visibility or behavior depends on input, need to pair with rules or permissions.

Summary

Fragments in Infowise Ultimate Forms open up many possibilities to improve form clarity, user experience, and process guidance. By blending static content, diagrams, instructions, multilingual text, and read-only references with interactive columns, you can build smarter, friendlier forms—minimizing errors and boosting efficiency.

Used with dynamic permissions, conditional rules, and thoughtful layout design, fragments make forms more than just data collectors—they become guided workflows, training tools, and documentation—embedded in the places where data entry is happening.