Stop accepting responses
Open the Google Form you manage. For a published form:
- Select Published at the top right.
- Turn off Accepting responses.
- Edit the message visitors will see, then select Save.
A short message is enough. For a workshop, try: “Registration is closed. Confirmed attendees will receive the schedule by email.” Include a contact address if someone can answer questions.
Keep the answers you already have
Closing submissions leaves existing answers available in the Responses tab. For a downloadable copy, open that tab, select the three-dot menu and choose Download responses (.csv).
You can also work with linked spreadsheets. The response sheet is a separate file; stopping submissions does not require deleting or unlinking it. Google explains the storage options in its response-storage guide.
Deleting responses is different: Google says that deleting them inside the form cannot be undone. Keep that option away from a routine closing task.
Set a deadline or a response limit
In the published form’s controls, choose Set close date or response limit:
- On a date: choose the closing date and time.
- After a number of responses: enter a maximum greater than the number already collected.
Save the settings. Simultaneous submissions can exceed the response limit, so confirm available places separately when capacity is strict. Google’s official response-management instructions cover these controls.
Check what visitors see
Copy the responder link from Published and open it as a visitor. For a restricted form, use an account allowed to respond. Check that your closed message appears.
Keep the form published if you want visitors to reach that message. An unpublished form is inaccessible through the responder link, as described in Google’s publishing and sharing guidance.
Reopen when you need more answers
Return to Published, turn on Accepting responses and save. If an expiration is set, open Manage to change it or use Remove Expiration and confirm. Check the responder link again before sharing it.
Working with results and other forms
If results appear in Google Slides, review the presentation before sharing it. Closing collection is a useful point to prepare the final figures.
Typeform and Jotform have their own closing controls. For custom layouts, the Form CSS examples cover the visual side; submission handling needs its own setup.