Static Prefill URLs

Static Prefill URLs


Zoho Forms allows you to generate prefill URLs using the Field Alias - Prefill URL option. However, this method requires configuring field aliases manually for each field, and once a prefill URL is generated, it cannot be saved for future use. With the Static Prefill URLs option, you can generate, store, and manage multiple prefill URLs for future use without needing to regenerate them each time.

Advantages of the Static Prefill URLs option

  • Prefilled values are securely stored and not exposed in the URL.
  • Create and save prefill URLs for future use.
  • Edit previously generated prefill URLs without reconfiguring field aliases.
  • Update generated prefill URLs without any change to the URL.
  • Reuse prefill URLs efficiently without repeating the generation process.
  • Shorten prefill URLs for cleaner links that are easier to share. 
  • Generate a QR code and scan it to access the Prefill URL instantly. 
  • Download and share the QR code with form users for quick access to the Prefill URL.

Differences between Field Alias - Prefill URL and Static Prefill URLs



Field Alias - Prefill URL Static Prefill URLs
1.
Need for field aliases
Required for each field to assign prefilled values.
Not required. You can directly map fields to prefill values.
2.
Saving prefilled URLs Cannot save URLs for future use. Needs to be regenerated every time. Prefill URLs are stored and can be reused or modified later.
3.
URL length Field aliases and values are appended to the URL, making it long. URL remains the same, even when fields are mapped to new prefill values.
4.
Data security Prefilled values are visible in the URL. Prefilled values are securely stored and not exposed in the URL.
5.
Effect of field mapping changes Changes require generating a new URL. Changes can be updated without modifying the existing URL.

Steps to generate a prefill URL in Static Prefill URLs

  1. In your form builder, navigate to Settings > Prefill > Static Prefill URLs.
  2. Click Configure Now.
    Static Prefill URLs

  3. In the Prefill URL Builder popup, enter a unique name for the Prefill URL. This will help you easily identify and manage multiple prefill URLs in the future.
  4. Under Field Mapping, click + Add Fields and map the field labels to the field values to be prefilled.
    Note: You can map a maximum of 50 fields to their prefill values.
  5. You can also add tracking parameters, such as the Referrer Name by clicking + Tracking Parameters.

    Generate Prefill URL

  6. Click Generate Prefill URL.
  7. The generated Prefill URL will be listed as shown.


  8. To generate more URLs with different prefilled field values, click + New Prefill URL in the top-right corner and repeat the above steps to the generate prefill URL.
    NotesNote: You can generate a maximum of 25 prefill URLs.
  9. To edit, copy, or delete an existing URL, hover over the URL and click the respective icon.
By clicking the edit icon corresponding to a URL, you can:
  1. Modify the prefilled values in the Static Prefill URLs section without generating a new URL. Simply update the field mappings, and the form will reflect the new values when accessed.
  2. Update prefill values without changing the generated link.

    For example, if you originally prefilled a form with:

    Later, if you want to update it to:

    You can do this with the Static Prefill URLs option, and the URL remains unchanged.

    Update Prefill URL

  3. If your form has Language Translation enabled, you can update the form's language without any change to the Prefill URL already shared.

    Change form language
If you delete a generated Prefill URL, users accessing the deleted link will still be able to view the public form, but the prefilled values will no longer be applied.

Shortening Static Prefill URLs 

You can use Shorten Prefill URL to reduce the length of the Static Prefill URL, just like you use Shorten URL to simplify the form permalink URL. Shortened links look cleaner and more professional, and are easier to share. They are ideal for social media sharing and other platforms with character limits. Learn More 
Static Prefill URLs.

Note: The Shorten Prefill URL option will be available only when the Shorten URL is generated for the form permalink.  Learn MoreNotes

To generate a shortened prefill URL:

  1. In your form builder, navigate to Settings > Prefill > Static Prefill URLs.

  2. Click Shorten Prefill URL.

Static Prefill URLs

Accessing Static Prefill URLs via QR Code

You can generate a QR code for each Static Prefill URL and instantly access the URL by scanning it. Additionally, you can download and share the QR code to provide quick and seamless access for other users. QR codes eliminate the need for manually typing URLs, reducing errors and making access more convenient across devices.

To generate, scan, and download a QR code:  

  1. In your form builder, navigate to Settings > Prefill > Static Prefill URLs.

    Generating QR Codes

  2. Hover over the desired prefill URL, click Generate QR Code, and scan it to access the form instantly.

    Generated QR Codes

  3. Click Download QR Code. The QR code will be downloaded in .png format.

Note: QR Code can also be generated for the shortened prefill URL, resulting in a simpler QR code that scans faster. It also improves readability and visibility, especially on printed materials.Notes