Hello!
If you have multiple layers (shapefiles) in your ArcPad Project, to collect data you must:
1. Make the Layer Editable (select layer from Edit Menu Dropdown)
2. Collect Geometry for New Feature
3. Complete the Form for New Feature Attributes
So the form is the last, not the first step in the data collection process!!
This means that the field users have already selected the layer before they get to the form 🙂
Let me know if this helps!
Hannah