What Is Microsoft InfoPath 2013?

Microsoft released InfoPath 2013 as part of the Office 2013 suite to help users create electronic forms that integrated with SharePoint and other Microsoft tools. It allowed business users to build custom forms without writing code, using a drag-and-drop interface to collect and manage data efficiently. For a time, organizations across industries relied on it to digitize manual processes and streamline data workflows.

Why Businesses Valued InfoPath 2013

InfoPath 2013 delivered real value by enabling organizations to automate paper-based processes and connect forms directly to SharePoint lists and libraries. Here’s why many companies adopted it:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Users could design forms with minimal technical knowledge, reducing dependency on IT departments.
  • Seamless SharePoint Integration: It worked directly with SharePoint to manage data, permissions, and workflows.
  • Process Automation: Businesses used InfoPath to create approval chains, route requests, and collect structured information—all without writing custom code.
  • Microsoft Ecosystem Compatibility: Since it was part of Office, InfoPath fit naturally into environments already using Microsoft products.

InfoPath helped organizations modernize operations and reduce paperwork—but only up to a point.

Why InfoPath 2013 No Longer Works for Today’s Business Needs

Despite its usefulness, Microsoft InfoPath 2013 can no longer keep up with today’s digital business demands. Here’s why:

  1. Microsoft Ended Development: Microsoft announced InfoPath’s retirement years ago, and support officially ends in 2026. Continuing to rely on a sunsetted tool increases security risks and creates long-term maintenance challenges.
  2. It Can’t Scale: InfoPath wasn’t built for complex business needs. As processes evolve, InfoPath struggles to adapt. It lacks the flexibility and depth that modern organizations require.
  3. It Doesn’t Fit in a Cloud-First World: InfoPath was designed for on-premises SharePoint. While businesses shift toward Microsoft 365 and cloud-native solutions, InfoPath remains stuck in the past.
  4. Mobile Support Is Weak: In today’s mobile-first environment, InfoPath fails to deliver a responsive experience. Employees can’t easily access or complete forms on their phones or tablets.
  5. It’s Hard to Maintain: As forms become more complex, managing and troubleshooting InfoPath solutions becomes time-consuming and inefficient.

Organizations that still use InfoPath face increasing limitations, and each passing year makes the case for moving on stronger.

What Should Replace InfoPath? NITRO Studio.

Organizations looking for a powerful, modern replacement for InfoPath should consider NITRO Studio—a cloud-first, fully supported platform built for form creation and business process automation.

Here’s why NITRO Studio stands out:

  1. It Runs in the Cloud: NITRO Studio works in Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online, making it a natural fit for organizations that have adopted modern Microsoft environments. You don’t have to manage infrastructure or worry about compatibility.
  2. It Automates Workflows End-to-End: NITRO Studio goes far beyond basic form design. It lets you build automated workflows that streamline approvals, notifications, escalations, and more—with powerful logic and ease of customization.
  3. It Delivers a Better User Experience: Users can create beautiful, responsive forms that work seamlessly on desktop and mobile. Whether in the office or remote, your team can access and submit forms effortlessly.
  4. It’s Easy to Customize and Maintain: NITRO Studio offers extensive customization without requiring complex coding. You can quickly update forms, modify workflows, and adapt solutions as business needs evolve.
  5. It’s Actively Supported and Updated: With regular feature enhancements and dedicated customer support, NITRO Studio eliminates the risks of using an outdated tool. You gain a future-proof solution that keeps pace with your business.
  6. It Simplifies Migration: NITRO Studio includes tools and services to help you migrate InfoPath forms and recreate their functionality with more modern capabilities—without starting from scratch.

Conclusion

Microsoft InfoPath 2013 once played an important role in digital transformation, but its time has passed. Microsoft’s end-of-support deadline, combined with its growing limitations, makes continued use a liability. Today’s organizations need more flexible, cloud-ready tools that scale with their operations and support modern workflows.

NITRO Studio offers a clear, practical path forward. It replaces InfoPath with a solution that empowers users, streamlines processes, and delivers long-term value. As your organization evaluates what’s next, ask yourself: Are we ready to leave legacy tools behind and embrace a future-proof platform like NITRO Studio?

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