Google Forms Add-on

Import Google Forms directly from Google Drive or the Google Forms editor using the NetPad Forms Importer add-on for Google Workspace.

Overview

The NetPad Forms Importer add-on lets you export any Google Form to NetPad without leaving Google Drive or Google Forms. The add-on appears in the sidebar when you're viewing or editing a Google Form.

Key features:

• Import forms directly from Google Drive
• Automatic field mapping with preview
• Select which NetPad project to import to
• Preserves form structure, validation, and options

Installation

From Google Workspace Marketplace

1. Visit the Google Workspace Marketplace
2. Search for "NetPad Forms Importer"
3. Click Install
4. Grant the required permissions
5. The add-on will appear in Google Drive and Google Forms

Required Permissions

The add-on requests these permissions:

Permission	Purpose
View your Google Forms	Read form structure and fields
View your Google Drive files	List and access your forms
View your email address	Identify your account for settings

note

All permissions are read-only. The add-on cannot modify your Google Forms or Drive files.

Getting Started

Step 1: Configure Your API Key

Before importing forms, you need to connect the add-on to your NetPad account:

1. Open Google Drive or Google Forms
2. Click the NetPad Forms Importer icon in the sidebar
3. Click Settings
4. Enter your NetPad API key
5. Click Save & Test Connection

Getting an API Key

Get your API key from NetPad Settings. Create a new key with forms:write permission.

Step 2: Browse Your Forms

1. From the add-on homepage, click Browse Forms
2. Your Google Forms are listed with modification dates
3. Click any form to preview it

Step 3: Preview and Export

1. Review the form details and field mapping summary
2. Click Export to NetPad
3. Select the NetPad project to import into
4. Click Export Form
5. Once complete, click Open in NetPad to view your imported form

Using the Add-on

Homepage

The homepage shows quick actions:

• Browse Forms - List and select from your Google Forms
• Export Current Form - If you have a form open in the editor, export it directly
• Settings - Configure your NetPad API key

Browse Forms

Lists all Google Forms in your Drive:

• Forms are sorted by modification date
• Click any form to see a preview
• Use Load More to see additional forms

Form Preview

Shows details about the selected form:

• Form title and description
• Number of questions
• Fields that will be imported
• Mapping statistics (exact vs. approximate mappings)

Export Options

Before exporting:

• Select Project - Choose which NetPad project to add the form to
• The selected project is remembered for future exports

Export Results

After successful export:

• See how many fields were imported
• View any warnings about unsupported features
• Click Open in NetPad to edit the form

Field Mapping

The add-on maps Google Forms field types to NetPad equivalents:

Google Forms	NetPad	Notes
Short answer	Text	Exact match
Paragraph	Long Text	Exact match
Multiple choice	Radio	Options preserved
Checkboxes	Checkbox Group	Options preserved
Dropdown	Dropdown	Options preserved
Linear scale	Rating	Scale range preserved
Date	Date	Exact match
Time	Time	Exact match
File upload	File	Settings preserved
Multiple choice grid	Matrix	Radio buttons
Checkbox grid	Matrix	Checkboxes

Preserved Properties

• Required/optional status
• Field labels and descriptions
• Choice options with "Other" option support
• Scale labels (low/high text)
• File upload settings (types, size, count)
• Multi-page structure

Limitations

Some Google Forms features cannot be imported:

Feature	Status
Go-to-section logic	Not imported
Image questions	Skipped
Video questions	Skipped
Quiz grading	Not imported

Warnings about unsupported features are shown in the preview and export summary.

Troubleshooting

"Connection Failed" Error

Cause: Invalid or expired API key

Solution:

1. Go to Settings in the add-on
2. Enter a new API key from NetPad Settings
3. Click Save & Test Connection

"No Projects Found" Error

Cause: No projects exist in your NetPad organization

Solution:

1. Log into NetPad
2. Create a new project
3. Return to the add-on and try again

"API Key Required" Error

Cause: API key not configured

Solution:

1. Click Settings in the add-on
2. Enter your NetPad API key
3. Save and test the connection

Add-on Not Appearing

Cause: Add-on not installed or permissions issue

Solution:

1. Refresh the page
2. Check that the add-on is installed in Workspace Marketplace
3. Re-authorize the add-on if prompted

Form Not Importing Correctly

Cause: Unsupported field types or complex validation

Solution:

1. Check the warnings in the export summary
2. Edit the form in NetPad to add missing fields or validation
3. Review the field mapping table for supported types

Privacy & Security

Data Handling

• The add-on reads your Google Forms structure (fields, options, settings)
• Form data is sent to NetPad's API to create the imported form
• Your API key is stored locally in the add-on (per-user, per-session)
• The add-on does not store any form data

Permissions

• All Google permissions are read-only
• The add-on cannot modify your Google Forms
• The add-on cannot access form responses (submissions)

API Key Best Practices

1. Create a dedicated key - Use a separate API key for the add-on
2. Limit permissions - Only grant forms:write permission
3. Rotate regularly - Replace your API key periodically
4. Don't share - Keep your API key confidential

Support

• Documentation: docs.netpad.io/integrations/google-forms
• Issues: github.com/mrlynn/netpad/issues
• Email: support@netpad.io

Related

• Google Forms Import (In-App) - Import forms from within NetPad
• API Keys - Managing API keys
• Forms Overview - Working with NetPad forms