Using InfoPath Designer in Office 365: A Comprehensive Guide to InfoPath Designer Features

InfoPath Designer was once a go-to tool for creating and customizing electronic forms within the Microsoft ecosystem. However, with the evolution of Office 365 (now Microsoft 365), InfoPath’s relevance and availability have shifted. As of now, InfoPath Designer is not included or supported in Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Microsoft officially announced the retirement of InfoPath in favor of more modern, cloud-based solutions like Power Apps and Microsoft Forms.

For designers and organizations who previously relied on InfoPath for workflows and form design, transitioning is necessary. Modernizing processes means embracing tools that offer cloud-based collaboration, integration with SharePoint Online, and mobile accessibility. Power Apps, for example, allows you to create visually compelling, responsive forms with drag-and-drop design features, advanced logic, and strong integration with other Office 365 services.

As an interior designer, usability and user experience are paramount, even when designing forms for project management, client input, or contractor checklists. A design-focused approach asks: how intuitive is the form? Is it visually appealing and accessible across devices? When considering a transition from InfoPath Designer, consider mapping out your form’s logic and style to best fit a tool like Power Apps, ensuring brand consistency and ease of use for everyone on your team. For space planning and visualizing project layouts digitally, modern design tools provide a more collaborative, scalable, and aesthetically rich solution, just like the intuitive functionality you would find in a Room Planner—aligning with the seamless workflows essential in contemporary interior design projects.

Tips 1:

When replacing InfoPath, first audit your existing forms, prioritize which ones need to move, and consider redesigning complex workflows in smaller, modular Power Apps for better usability.

FAQ

Q: Is InfoPath Designer included in Office 365?

A: No, InfoPath Designer is not included in Office 365 or Microsoft 365 subscriptions as Microsoft has retired the app.

Q: What is Microsoft’s recommended replacement for InfoPath Designer?

A: Microsoft recommends using Power Apps and Microsoft Forms for modern, cloud-based forms and workflow solutions.

Q: Can I still use old InfoPath forms in SharePoint Online?

A: InfoPath forms can still be opened and used in SharePoint Online, but editing and creating new ones require InfoPath Designer 2013, which is not available in Microsoft 365.

Q: What are the benefits of using Power Apps over InfoPath Designer for form design?

A: Power Apps provides enhanced mobile compatibility, deeper integration with Office 365 services, and a more modern, intuitive design experience suitable for a range of business applications.

Q: How can interior designers leverage modern digital forms in their workflows?

A: Interior designers can deploy customized forms for client intake, project tracking, and collaboration using tools like Power Apps, ensuring better design control, integration, and user experience.