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How Basin Works

Basin is a no-code form backend that makes it easy to collect and manage form submissions without writing server-side code. This section explains the core concepts behind Basin, so you can understand how it processes your forms and connects to your tools. Whether you're a non-technical user or a developer, this guide will help you get started with confidence.

What Does Basin Do?

When someone fills out a form on your website, Basin steps in to handle the submission process. Here's how it works in simple terms:

  • Receives Form Data: Your form sends user inputs (like name, email, or file uploads) to a unique Basin endpoint, such as https://usebasin.com/f/abc123.
  • Stores Data Securely: Basin saves the submission in your Basin account, so you can access it anytime.
  • Sends Notifications: Basin can email you or your team when a new submission arrives.
  • Connects to Your Tools: Basin forwards the data to apps like Google Sheets, Zapier, or Mailchimp, and can even trigger AI agents for advanced automation, with clean data ensured by spam protection.
  • Protects Against Spam: Basin uses built-in spam filters to block unwanted submissions, keeping your data clean for your workflows.

This process happens automatically, so you can focus on using the data rather than managing servers or coding.

Key Concepts to Understand

To use Basin effectively, here are the main ideas to grasp:

  • Form Endpoint: Think of this as a mailbox for your form. Basin provides a unique URL, like https://usebasin.com/f/abc123, where your form sends data. You add this URL to your HTML form's action attribute (e.g., <form action="https://usebasin.com/f/abc123" method="POST">).
  • Submissions: Each time someone submits your form, Basin creates a "submission" record. You can view these in your Basin dashboard, export them, or send them to other apps.
  • Integrations: Basin connects with tools like Webflow, Vercel, Zapier, Google Sheets, Slack, or even AI agents via webhooks. For example, you can save form data to a spreadsheet, add email addresses to your Mailchimp list, or trigger an AI agent to analyze submissions.
  • Spam Protection: Basin automatically blocks common spam submissions using techniques like honeypots and filters. You can also add custom rules to ensure only valid data reaches your integrations or AI workflows.

Why Use a No-Code Form Backend?

If you're new to form backends, you might wonder why Basin is useful. Here's why:

  • No Server Needed: Traditional forms require a server to process data, which means coding and maintenance. Basin handles this for you, so you can create forms without technical setup.
  • Works with Any Website: Basin integrates seamlessly with Webflow, Vercel, WordPress, Squarespace, or custom HTML sites by adding your endpoint URL (e.g., https://usebasin.com/f/abc123) to your form.
  • Saves Time: With Basin, you can set up a form in minutes and focus on your project instead of backend development.
  • Scalable and Secure: Basin is built to handle thousands of submissions while keeping your data safe with encryption and spam protection.

How It Fits Together

Imagine you're building a contact form for your Webflow site. Here's what happens:

  1. You create a form in Webflow (or another platform like Vercel or WordPress).
  2. You copy your Basin endpoint URL (e.g., https://usebasin.com/f/abc123) and add it to the form's action attribute.
  3. Someone fills out the form and clicks "Submit."
  4. Basin receives the data at https://usebasin.com/f/abc123, stores it, and sends you an email notification.
  5. The data also appears in your Google Sheets spreadsheet via a Zapier integration or triggers an AI agent to generate personalized content (e.g., tailored marketing messages based on the submission).
  6. Spam submissions are blocked, so only real responses reach your tools or AI workflows.

This process is fast, secure, and requires no coding or server management.

Ready to Try It?

Now that you understand how Basin works, you're ready to create your first form! Check out our Quickstart: Create Your First Form to get started in minutes with your own endpoint, like https://usebasin.com/f/abc123. For more on securing your forms, see Spam Protection Basics.

Have questions? Explore our FAQ below or visit our full documentation for advanced features like webhooks, analytics, and integrations.

FAQ

What is a no-code form backend?

A no-code form backend like Basin handles form submissions without requiring you to write server-side code. It collects, stores, and processes form data, making it easy to manage submissions.

How does Basin protect my forms from spam?

Basin uses built-in spam filters, such as honeypots and pattern detection, to block unwanted submissions. You can also enable custom rules to ensure only valid data reaches your integrations or AI agents.

Can I use Basin with my existing website?

Yes! Basin works with Webflow, Vercel, WordPress, Squarespace, or custom HTML sites. Just add your Basin endpoint (e.g., https://usebasin.com/f/abc123) to your form's action attribute.

What happens to my form data?

Basin securely stores your submissions in your account. You can view, export, or send the data to tools like Google Sheets, Zapier, or AI agents for automated workflows.