Tap Forms Database is an amazing application for the iPhone & iPod Touch that allows you to keep track of any type of data you deal with on a regular basis. Whether it's your bank account information, homework assignments or just your contacts, you can organize it all in one place with maximum customization.
The idea of Tap Forms Database is to create a form to enter in a record of information. The app makes it easy to enter in your data by tapping on the specified fields. For instance, you can tap on a field called "name" and your entire contact list appears for you to scroll through and select a contact. Or, you can type in a new contact. You can have a list of choices that can be selected by just tapping on it, creating a check mark next to that item. The app comes with 25 predesigned forms for you to use immediately. These forms include bank accounts, homework assignments, insurance forms, etc. In addition to these forms, you can create your own from scratch. You can enter your own field names with 13 different types of data such as contacts, text, check mark, audio recording and more. The ability to enter in your own fields and arrange them to your liking really makes this app customizable to your own specific needs. For instance, being a music teacher, I was able to create a form to enter in a student's name, instrument, whether or not they own that instrument, locker number, notes on his or her progress and a recording of a sample performance. This way, I have all of my students' information right at my fingertips wherever I go.
The app allows you to sort your records by whatever field you choose and in whatever order you choose. You may also group records by fields. So, for me, I was able to organize my students by what instrument they play.
If you have many different forms in your database, you can mark certain ones as favorites to access immediately without having to search for them. Searching can also be done to find specific information in your records. For example, I can search for a specific locker number and the student with that locker number will show up in my results.
A nice addition to this app is the ability to import or export CSV files to and from your computer using an FTP server. Thing works seamlessly and also allows for any other type of file to be stored on your device. So, Tap Forms is actually two apps in one!
Security was also well thought out with Tap Forms. The developer boasts 256 bit AES encryption and an auto lock feature to incorporate password protection. In addition to this security, you are given the option to backup your data right to your computer using its SyncDocs desktop application.
The app is not only incredibly useful, but its beautiful user interface makes it a pleasure to use, especially on a daily basis. The buttons are placed in just the right spots to maximize efficiency in entering data and the menus are fluid. There are tutorial videos available, but if you simply play around with the app long enough you'll discover all of its little surprises. The only gripe I have about it is the lack of landscape support throughout the app. It does allow landscape typing in some areas, such as notes, but not all areas. The ability to allow landscape typing throughout the app would make entering data that much easier. But, this is a minor complaint compared to the amount of features this app offers. I encourage you to check out the developer's website to see exactly how many features the app contains, as I could not fit them all into this review.
Tap Forms Database is priced fairly high in the app store, but I believe it's worth every penny if you're looking to organize a ton of data on your device. This is an app that will definitely remain a permanent fixture on my iPhone. Check it out.
