Getting Started with Rooted Forms

Use this guide to install Rooted Forms, activate Pro, publish your first form, and confirm that every part of the lead workflow is working.

Before you begin

• Administrator access to the WordPress website.
• WordPress 6.0 or newer and PHP 7.4 or newer.
• A recent website and database backup.
• Your Rooted Forms Pro ZIP and license key if you purchased Pro.
• Your outgoing SMTP details if you plan to use Pro email delivery.

Important: Never send your WordPress password, email password, or full license key to support.

1. Download Rooted Forms Free

Download Rooted Forms Free 1.5.2

The permanent installer filename is rooted-forms-suite.zip. Do not unzip or rename its internal plugin folder before uploading it to WordPress.

2. Install Rooted Forms Free

1. In WordPress, open Plugins > Add Plugin > Upload Plugin.
2. Select rooted-forms-suite.zip.
3. Select Install Now.
4. After WordPress reports a successful installation, select Activate Plugin.
5. Confirm Rooted Forms appears in the WordPress admin menu.

3. Install Rooted Forms Pro

1. Confirm Rooted Forms Free is active.
2. Open Plugins > Add Plugin > Upload Plugin.
3. Select the purchased rooted-forms-pro.zip file.
4. Select Install Now, then Activate Plugin.
5. Confirm WordPress shows Rooted Forms Pro version 1.5.3 and lists Rooted Forms as its required plugin.

4. Activate the Pro license

1. Open Settings > Rooted Forms Pro License.
2. Enter the license key from your purchase email.
3. Select Activate License.
4. Confirm the license status is active.

A one-site license can be moved by deactivating the original website before activating its replacement. See the Pro licensing guide for more information.

5. Create and publish your first form

1. Open Rooted Forms > Forms.
2. Edit the default form or select Add New Form.
3. Choose the visible and required fields, then save the form.
4. Copy its shortcode, such as

   Contact us

   Full name * Work email * Phone How can we help? * Send Message

   .
5. Paste the shortcode into a WordPress page or Shortcode block and publish the page.

For field options and form limits, visit Forms and fields.

6. Configure notifications and SMTP

1. Open Rooted Forms > Settings and enter the address that should receive lead notifications.
2. Pro users can open Rooted Forms > Email Delivery and enable SMTP.
3. Enter the outgoing host, matching port and encryption, full email address as the username, and the email password or app password.
4. Save the settings and send a test email.
5. Confirm the delivery log reports Accepted and that the message reaches the inbox or junk folder.

Common combinations are port 465 with SSL or port 587 with TLS. Always follow the email provider’s settings. See the SMTP delivery guide.

7. Complete the launch test

1. Open the published form in a private browser window.
2. Submit clearly labeled test information.
3. Confirm the visitor sees the success message.
4. Confirm the submission appears under Rooted Forms > Lead Inbox.
5. Confirm the notification arrives by email.
6. Pro users should also confirm Email Delivery records the notification as accepted.

Troubleshooting

Plugin file does not exist

Delete the incomplete Rooted Forms test installation, download the current rooted-forms-suite.zip package again, and reinstall it. Do not upload an older versioned or renamed ZIP.

Pro requires rooted-forms-suite

Rooted Forms Free is missing, inactive, or installed under an incorrect folder name. Install and activate rooted-forms-suite.zip before activating Pro.

License not found

Confirm the key came from the Rooted Forms Pro purchase email and is not active on another website. Do not include the full key in screenshots or support messages.

SMTP cannot connect

Confirm the outgoing host, port, and encryption combination. Also confirm the hosting provider allows outgoing SMTP connections.

Email was accepted but did not reach the inbox

Check the junk folder and confirm the From address belongs to the authenticated email account. Inbox placement can also depend on the domain’s SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records.

Need help?

Email support@rooteddevstudio.com with your WordPress version, PHP version, Rooted Forms versions, and the exact error message. Never send passwords or full license keys.