Why is it so hard to design a footing form from the concepts used to design a wall form?
Or are you really trying to learn how to construct a footing form?
Most footings are formed with liberal + tolerances on footing cross-section. If it's an inch or a couple centimeters too wide, who cares? Very often shallow strip footings are formed with what material may be available - lumber, plywood strips, or form panels laid on their side, then braced in whatever manner suits the excavation conditions.
Deep mat footings require more thought. Either the bracing of the footing forms must be substantial, or the forms must be tied to forms on the opposite side, with concrete placement recognizing that the forms should be loaded equally.
Ralph
Structures Consulting
Northeast USA