Background Options

The background of your form sets the tone and mood for respondents. SmarterForm offers multiple background options, with different features available on Free and Pro plans.

Free Plan Backgrounds

All accounts include access to default backgrounds:

• Solid colors: Choose from a default color palette
• Basic patterns: Simple, clean background options

Pro Plan Backgrounds PRO

Pro accounts unlock premium background options:

• Photo presets: Curated library of professional background images
• Custom upload: Upload your own background image (JPG, PNG)
• Image optimization: Automatic optimization for fast loading

How to Change Your Background

1. 1

   Open your form

   Go to your Dashboard and open the form you want to customize.

2. 2

   Go to Design tab

   Click the Design tab in the left sidebar.

3. 3

   Find the Background section

   Scroll to the Background section.

4. 4

   Choose your background

   Select from available options:

   • Colors: Click a color swatch to apply it
   • Presets (Pro): Browse and click a preset photo
   • Upload (Pro): Click "Upload image" and select a file from your computer
5. 5

   Preview

   The center canvas updates in real-time. Scroll through your form to see how the background looks with your questions.

Custom Upload Guidelines (Pro)

When uploading your own background image:

File Requirements

• Formats: JPG, PNG
• Max file size: 10MB
• Recommended resolution: 1920×1080 or higher for best quality

Design Tips

• Ensure readability: Text must be readable over your background. Use subtle images or add an overlay.
• Avoid busy patterns: Complex backgrounds can distract from your questions.
• Test on mobile: Backgrounds may crop differently on small screens.
• Optimize file size: Large images slow down form loading. Compress before uploading.

Preset Photo Library (Pro)

Pro accounts get access to a curated library of professional background photos across multiple categories:

• Abstract: Gradients, patterns, textures
• Nature: Landscapes, forests, mountains
• Urban: Cityscapes, architecture
• Minimal: Simple, clean backgrounds
• Professional: Office, workspace, business settings

All preset photos are optimized for fast loading and licensed for commercial use.

Backgrounds and Themes

Backgrounds work with all themes (Default, Conversational, Minimal, Soft). You can mix and match:

• Default theme + solid color
• Conversational theme + preset image
• Minimal theme + custom upload
• Soft theme + nature preset

Learn more about Premium Themes.

Removing a Background

To go back to a plain white background:

• Open the Design tab
• Scroll to the Background section
• Select the White or None option

Performance Considerations

• Solid colors load instantly: No performance impact
• Presets are optimized: Fast loading on all devices
• Custom uploads vary: Large files may slow loading, especially on mobile networks

For forms with heavy traffic or mobile-first audiences, consider using preset photos or solid colors for best performance.