Workflow and Infopath

Question

Do I need Infopath installed locally to edit forms in a workflow for sharepoint?

Answer 1

I don't think this is necessary if the forms are stored in a SharePoint document library.

Do you mean to edit individual forms, or to design a form?

Answer 2

Yes you do, it will be rendered as HTML in the site, but to edit it, you need a copy of infopath.

Answer 3

You won't need InfoPath as long as your forms are browser-enabled and you are running on MOSS (to use the InfoPath Forms Services).

If you are on plain WSS, then you will need InfoPath installed to fill out forms.

Answer 4

Authoring InfoPath forms

If a person needs to create a new Infopath form or needs to change the layout of the existing form one needs to use InfoPath client.

The form layout and data structure is saved as XML so one might try to edit it but I would recommend you not to mess with it.

Filling forms

In order to fill the forms there are two scenarios:

1. User fills a form via web browser (InfoPath client is not required)
2. User fills a form via InfoPath client

The first option does sound interesting but limitations do apply:

• You must purchase MOSS Enterprise license (for difference between SharePoint editions check this: overview or details here). There is an option to purchase a dedicated Forms Server.
• Infopath as web form does not support all the features as the Infopath client form
• Although web forms sound very appealing, my experience taught me that most important features are not available in the web edition. Check here for detailed list.

Default workflow forms

Your original question is not clear, but if you are talking about editing default workflow forms like Approval workflow form (which is InfoPath) there is no easy way to do it.