How do you make a name input on a form become a contact that is already a contact in Smartsheet?

katfooddfw

I posted this on an old thread, but thought it might be easier to find as a new entry.

I am trying to have a contact show up in cells based on input on a form.

1. User fills out form with account manager name. For example, Rachel Alexander.
2. Rachel is in my contacts. However, when the data from the form populates the sheet it stays as text vs. turning it into a contact, complete with email.
3. This is a problem because I have automation set up to trigger when the information is added. Since it's not reading as a real contact there is no email for the automation to use.
4. I've tried the VLookUp but it doesn't seem to turn a text name into a contact. It only finds the email on the other sheet, which means that I will have to have an extra column. Is that the only way to do it?
5. At this point I can't figure out how to make the name from a form become a contact that is already a contact in Smartsheet.

Thank you for your help!!

Andrée Starå

Hi,

Unfortunately, as far as I know, it's not possible at the moment, but it's an excellent idea!

Please submit an Enhancement Request when you have a moment

You'll have to use an email address instead or a list of contacts in a contact column.

Would that work?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Andrée Starå

Hi,

Unfortunately, as far as I know, it's not possible at the moment, but it's an excellent idea!

Please submit an Enhancement Request when you have a moment

You'll have to use an email address instead or a list of contacts in a contact column.

Would that work?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

katfooddfw

Thank you. Bummer on that. I guess I will just use the VLookup and add a column. Appreciate you answering so quickly! Have a good week, yourself.

-Kathrine

Andrée Starå

You're more than welcome!

Happy to help!

Yes, VLOOKUP or INDEX/MATCH works perfectly for this.

maltaee

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/247384#Comment_247384

Is this still the case and there is no way to convert a form contact into a sheet contact?

Thanks,