Basic vs. Standard Editor

Comparing the Basic and Standard Editors

reBB offers two different editors to accommodate users with varying needs and technical comfort levels. This guide provides a detailed comparison to help you choose the right editor for your projects.

Basic Editor Overview

The Basic Editor is designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it perfect for beginners or when you need to create a straightforward form quickly.

Key Features of the Basic Editor

• Streamlined Interface: Minimal options and a clean layout
• One-Click Adding: Simple buttons to add components
• Essential Components Only: Focused selection of the most commonly used components
• No Coding Required: Works without any JavaScript knowledge
• Familiar Experience: Similar interface to tools like bbcode.rip

Components Available in Basic Editor

• Text Field (for short text input)
• Text Area (for paragraphs and longer text)
• Checkboxes (for yes/no options)
• Select Boxes (for dropdown selections)
• Date & Time inputs
• URL fields

When to Use the Basic Editor

The Basic Editor is ideal when:

• You're new to form building
• You need something simple and quick
• Your form doesn't require advanced logic
• You don't need repeatable sections
• You want the fastest path to creation

Standard Editor Overview

The Standard Editor provides access to all of reBB's capabilities, offering complete control over your form's functionality and appearance.

Key Features of the Standard Editor

• Full Component Library: Access to all available form components
• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Visual arrangement of your form
• JavaScript Support: Add dynamic behavior and logic
• Advanced Customization: Fine-tune every aspect of your components
• Datagrids: Create repeatable sections for lists and tables
• Conditional Logic: Show or hide components based on user input
• Calculated Values: Automatically generate content based on other fields

Additional Components in Standard Editor

Beyond what's available in the Basic Editor, the Standard Editor includes:

• Datagrids (for repeatable content)
• Panels (for grouping related fields)
• Number fields with validation
• Password fields
• Radio buttons
• Email fields with validation
• Phone number fields
• Address fields
• File uploads
• Content blocks for instructions
• Columns for multi-column layouts
• Button components
• HTML elements

**Advanced Capabilities***

The Standard Editor also enables:

• Custom Validation Rules: Create specific requirements for user input
• Calculated Values: Derive values from other fields automatically
• Conditional Display Logic: Show/hide components based on user input
• Custom Default Values: Set dynamic starting values
• Layout Control: Organize components in columns and panels
• Custom CSS: Style components to match your needs
• Event Hooks: Trigger actions on field changes

When to Use the Standard Editor

The Standard Editor is best when:

• You need advanced components like datagrids
• Your form requires conditional logic
• You want to perform calculations
• You're building a complex form with many components
• You need fine-grained control over the appearance
• You're comfortable with some technical concepts
• You want to create dynamic, interactive forms

Visual Comparison

Switching Between Editors

It's important to note that while you can start a form in the Basic Editor and later switch to the Standard Editor, this conversion is one-way. The Standard Editor's advanced features cannot be fully represented in the Basic Editor.

If you begin in the Standard Editor, you'll need to continue using it for that form.

Choosing the Right Editor for Your Needs

Ask yourself these questions to determine which editor is best for you:

1. How complex is your form?

   • Simple with a few fields → Basic Editor
   • Complex with many fields → Standard Editor

2. Do you need repeatable sections or lists?

   • Yes → Standard Editor (for datagrids)
   • No → Either editor works

3. Do you need conditional logic?

   • Yes → Standard Editor
   • No → Either editor works

4. Are you comfortable with JavaScript concepts?

   • Yes → Standard Editor can leverage your skills
   • No → Basic Editor is more approachable

5. How quickly do you need to create the form?

   • Very quickly with minimal setup → Basic Editor
   • Can invest time in more powerful results → Standard Editor

Conclusion

Both editors create fully functional forms that output formatted content based on your template. The difference lies in the complexity and customization they offer:

• Basic Editor: Quick, simple, and accessible to everyone
• Standard Editor: Powerful, flexible, and capable of complex functionality

Start with the editor that matches your current needs and skill level, knowing you can always move to the Standard Editor as your requirements grow.