How to auto-fill a form using the form URL

How to auto-fill a form using the form URL

Overview

It can be useful to provide a link to your Form that automatically inserts data into the form.
For example, you may want to create a link for New Members vs. Returning Members.

Here is how 

Step 1: Create the field
  1. Create a field that is...
    1. Settable by URL Query
    2. Initially Hidden (optional)

In this example, we'll create a hidden Select Field with two choices.  
  1. Choice #1: New Member
  2. Choice #2: Returning Member
With the Field Name: NewVsReturn

Step 2: Create 1 or more Query Strings
  1. Here is the format of a Query String
    1. &field:{FieldName}={value}
      1. Each string must start with "&"
      2. Then "field:"
      3. Then the "{Field Name}"
      4. Then "=" 
      5. Then the "{Value}"
Example: Query Strings
  1. If you wish to pre-select the 1st choice:&field:NewVsReturn=1 
  2. If you wish to pre-select the 2nd choice:&field:NewVsReturn=2
Step 3: Assemble the complete URL

In this example, we'll use the database sample_pool and their URL: https://applications.accessgrantedsystems.com/patron?group=sample_pool
  1. Here is the format of a complete URL: {URL}{QueryString1}
    1. It starts with the standard URL
    2. Then amend one or more Query Strings
Examples: 
  1. If you wish to pre-select the 1st choice:https://applications.accessgrantedsystems.com/patron?group=sample_pool&field:NewVsReturn=1 
  2. If you wish to pre-select the 2nd choice: https://applications.accessgrantedsystems.com/patron?group=sample_pool&field:NewVsReturn=2
Another Example: 
  1. You can amend as many query strings as you wish.  Here is an example of three.  

How to test

Option A: Test using the PREVIEW tab.
Add the Query String and click Update Preview

Option B: Test using your live link in your favorite web browser.
Add the Assembled URL