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

Detrie Zacharias · 03/17/22

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 · 03/17/22

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 · 03/17/22

@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 · 03/17/22

@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 · 03/17/22

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 · 03/17/22

@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 · 03/21/22

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 · 05/11/23

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.

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

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