Show an auto-number value on a form before it has been submitted

Detrie Zacharias

I need to present an auto-number field value on a form before the user submits the form

Can the auto-number be generated before the form is submitted? Can the "Form Submission" message somehow be configured to present the value.. Something like {{Record ID}}

Andrée Starå

Hi @Detrie Zacharias

I hope you're well and safe!

Here's a possible workaround or workarounds

• You could use the URL-query feature to include the next auto-number
• Split a Dashboard/Portal, and one side the following number and the other would show the form

Would any of those options work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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L_123

@Andrée Starå

There's a couple issues with that solution though. If multiple users have the form open at the same time the number can be duplicated/incorrect. Also the dashboard won't immediately refresh the link between submissions so if a user submits multiple subsequent forms without reloading the dashboard it won't update the number in the form.

I don't know a way to make sure this works 100% of the time.

Andrée Starå

@L_123

Thanks!

Yes, I know, but I forgot to add the information that it would only work consistently if they know that it's not any risk of multiple people submitting close to each other.

@Detrie Zacharias

Detrie Zacharias

Hi Guys.. Thanks for your response.. The risk of multiple users at the same time is possible but extremely low.. The benefit way outweighs the risk.

I'm not familiar with URL-query but will research its use..

Thanks for the help

Andrée Starå

@Detrie Zacharias

Happy to help!

More info:

https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/2478871-url-query-string-form-default-values

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Detrie Zacharias

Hi all.

I couldn't get the URL query to work for me.

In the end, I decided to build it into my intake form using logic.

It actually makes more sense to do it this way.

I appreciate the input

bryan.krusch

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/comment/323388#Comment_323388

Hi Detrie! Would you mind sharing the logic needed to do this? Starting this process now.