What It Does

XMLForm transforms Joomla’s custom fields into a versatile toolkit. Using Joomla’s form XML syntax, you can:

• Design intricate forms with nested subforms, custom validations, and conditional fields.
• Store user data as JSON for seamless management.
• Render outputs however you like—HTML displays, meta tags, or invisible processing for APIs and SEO.
• Integrate with external sources or build unique front-end experiences.
• Imagine configuring Twitter Cards, rendering 3D boxes, or generating JSON-LD—all possible with XMLForm’s flexible framework. The possibilities are endless, and it’s yours to explore! ​ The 3D box image is dynamically generated by an XMLForm field!

Where It Came From

XMLForm’s story is as unique as its capabilities. It began in December 2017 with my JSON-encoding pull request (#19025) to Joomla’s core, unlocking complex data storage. This pull request laid the groundwork for the original Fields - Subform plugin, a pioneer for XML-driven subforms. But Joomla 4’s 2021 native "Subform" field clashed with its namespace. After a 2018 victory to secure the "fields_subform" name (pushing the core to "SubFields"), the Joomla 4 shift forced a refactor into "XMLForm" for personal use. Now, in 2025, it’s free for all! Unlike "Fields - Subform" (a paid RicheyWeb plugin with core integration via the 2017 pull request), Fields - XMLForm remains the raw, community-driven tool for Joomla devs.

Benefits

• Total Flexibility: Escape Joomla’s field limits—design forms and outputs your way.
• Quick Setup: Create complex fields in minutes with XMLForm’s intuitive system.
• Real-World Value: Enhance SEO, boost sharing, or build stunning visuals—all for free.
• Community Power: Join a growing user base with a library of examples coming soon.
• No Cost Barrier: Access this premium tool without spending a dime.

Features

• XML-Driven Form Creation: Use Joomla’s form XML for any structure—nested subforms, validations, and more.
• Custom Field Support: Load your own field types for endless customization.
• Multilingual Ready: Add language files for translated labels, perfect for global sites.
• Versatile Output: Render HTML, inject meta tags or scripts into , or process invisibly—your code, your rules. Or just let the plugin turn your form fields into a table.
• Seamless Integration: Works with Joomla’s custom fields (Content, Users, Contacts) out of the box.
• Future Examples: A growing library of real-world examples (e.g., Twitter Cards, 3D boxes) to be added post-launch.

Ready to revolutionize your Joomla custom fields?