Generate Prefilled Fillable Forms in Zoho Writer | Automate Data Collection

How to merge and generate prefilled fillable forms

Overview

Zoho Writer lets you merge templates with data from connected sources to generate prefilled fillable forms. Each merged record creates a unique form link, allowing recipients to view and complete the form with pre-entered information. This is ideal for automating data collection in use cases like contracts, applications, or surveys. You can also configure submit actions or trigger custom workflows using Deluge functions for each filled form.

Prerequisites

Before you can generate prefilled fillable forms using Zoho Writer's merge feature, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
  1. Merge Template: Create a Zoho Writer Merge Template with fillable fields (text boxes, checkboxes, dropdowns, etc.). These fields must be added using Insert > Fillable Fields.
  2. Field Mapping: Each fillable field in your template should be mapped to a corresponding merge field. This ensures that the right data gets filled into the correct part of the form.
  3. Connect Data Source: Link your template to a supported data source such as Zoho CRM, Zoho Creator, Zoho Forms, Zoho Sheet, or an external source via API. The data source should contain the records you want to use to generate individual prefilled forms.

Steps 

1. Create a Merge Template, Go to Automation Tab
2. Merge Setup: Configure the Merge & Generate Fillable Link output option so that each record from the data source generates a unique form link.


3. Map merge fields to Fillable Fields -  In the Field Properties panel, go to Pre-filled Value.



4. Configure On submit Actions :  In on submit actions you will see options, Choose and set up the actions you want based on your workflow needs. 

            
    1. Send Email Notification
    2. Trigger a Deluge Custom Function
    3. Push Data to Zoho Sheet etc
    4. Invoke Webhooks
    5. Store Document in WorkDrive
    6. And other post-submit workflows.
      All the form links generate will have these on-submit actions configure automatically

      Create. Review. Publish.

      Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

      Get Started Now


        Access your files securely from anywhere

          Zoho CRM Training Programs

          Learn how to use the best tools for sales force automation and better customer engagement from Zoho's implementation specialists.

          Zoho CRM Training
            Redefine the way you work
            with Zoho Workplace

              Zoho DataPrep Personalized Demo

              If you'd like a personalized walk-through of our data preparation tool, please request a demo and we'll be happy to show you how to get the best out of Zoho DataPrep.

              Zoho CRM Training

                Create, share, and deliver

                beautiful slides from anywhere.

                Get Started Now


                  Zoho Sign now offers specialized one-on-one training for both administrators and developers.

                  BOOK A SESSION







                              Quick LinksWorkflow AutomationData Collection
                              Web FormsRetailOnline Data Collection Tool
                              Embeddable FormsBankingBegin Data Collection
                              Interactive FormsWorkplaceData Collection App
                              CRM FormsCustomer ServiceForms for Solopreneurs
                              Digital FormsMarketingForms for Small Business
                              HTML FormsEducationForms for Enterprise
                              Contact FormsE-commerceForms for any business
                              Lead Generation FormsHealthcareForms for Startups
                              Wordpress FormsCustomer onboardingForms for Small Business
                              No Code FormsConstructionRSVP tool for holidays
                              Free FormsTravelFeatures for Order Forms
                              Prefill FormsNon-Profit
                              Forms for Government
                              Intake FormsLegal
                              Mobile App
                              Form DesignerHR
                              Mobile Forms
                              Card FormsFoodOffline Forms
                              Assign FormsPhotographyMobile Forms Features
                              Translate FormsReal EstateKiosk in Mobile Forms
                              Electronic FormsInsurance
                              Drag & drop form builder

                              Notification Emails for FormsAlternativesSecurity & Compliance
                              Holiday FormsGoogle Forms alternative GDPR
                              Form to PDFJotform alternativeHIPAA Forms
                              Email FormsWufoo alternativeEncrypted Forms
                              Accessible FormsTypeform alternativeSecure Forms

                              WCAG

                                          Create. Review. Publish.

                                          Write, edit, collaborate on, and publish documents to different content management platforms.

                                          Get Started Now






                                                            You are currently viewing the help pages of Qntrl’s earlier version. Click here to view our latest version—Qntrl 3.0's help articles.




                                                                Manage your brands on social media

                                                                  Use cases

                                                                  Make the most of Zoho Desk with the use cases.

                                                                   
                                                                    

                                                                  eBooks

                                                                  Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho Desk.

                                                                   
                                                                    

                                                                  Videos

                                                                  Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho Desk.

                                                                   
                                                                    

                                                                  Webinar

                                                                  Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho Desk basics, from customization to automation and more

                                                                   
                                                                    
                                                                  • Desk Community Learning Series


                                                                  • Meetups


                                                                  • Ask the Experts


                                                                  • Kbase


                                                                  • Resources


                                                                  • Glossary


                                                                  • Desk Marketplace


                                                                  • MVP Corner



                                                                    Zoho Sheet Resources

                                                                     

                                                                        Zoho Forms Resources


                                                                          Secure your business
                                                                          communication with Zoho Mail


                                                                          Mail on the move with
                                                                          Zoho Mail mobile application

                                                                            Stay on top of your schedule
                                                                            at all times


                                                                            Carry your calendar with you
                                                                            Anytime, anywhere




                                                                                  Zoho Sign Resources

                                                                                    Sign, Paperless!

                                                                                    Sign and send business documents on the go!

                                                                                    Get Started Now




                                                                                            Zoho TeamInbox Resources





                                                                                                      Zoho DataPrep Demo

                                                                                                      Get a personalized demo or POC

                                                                                                      REGISTER NOW


                                                                                                        Design. Discuss. Deliver.

                                                                                                        Create visually engaging stories with Zoho Show.

                                                                                                        Get Started Now










                                                                                                                            • Related Articles

                                                                                                                            • How to share, publish, or embed fillable forms using Zoho Writer fillable templates

                                                                                                                              Overview Zoho Writer fillable template allows you to create and share general purpose forms (like feedback forms) and customized business forms (onboarding forms, service request forms, material request forms, survey forms, etc.) to collect data and ...
                                                                                                                            • How to configure submit actions in fillable templates

                                                                                                                              Overview Zoho Writer lets you automate what happens after a respondent submits a fillable form using Submit Actions. These actions help streamline document handling, data collection, and follow-up processes without manual effort. Steps Configure ...
                                                                                                                            • Understanding simple vs advanced document automation in Writer's merge templates

                                                                                                                              Overview Zoho Writer offers two levels of document automation: Simple Automation and Advanced Automation. Both are designed to streamline document generation and distribution—but each serves different use cases depending on the complexity of your ...
                                                                                                                            • How to setup advanced automation in Writer merge templates

                                                                                                                              Overview The Advanced Automation Flow Builder empowers you to design dynamic document workflows that span multiple templates—automating generation, applying business rules for routing, combining documents, and seamlessly distributing or storing them. ...
                                                                                                                            • How to merge and store documents in Zoho Writer

                                                                                                                              Overview Merge and Store option allows you to automatically generate and save personalized documents for each record in your connected data source. Once the merge is complete, each document is stored individually in the location of your choice—such ...
                                                                                                                              Wherever you are is as good as
                                                                                                                              your workplace

                                                                                                                                Resources

                                                                                                                                Videos

                                                                                                                                Watch comprehensive videos on features and other important topics that will help you master Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                eBooks

                                                                                                                                Download free eBooks and access a range of topics to get deeper insight on successfully using Zoho CRM.



                                                                                                                                Webinars

                                                                                                                                Sign up for our webinars and learn the Zoho CRM basics, from customization to sales force automation and more.



                                                                                                                                CRM Tips

                                                                                                                                Make the most of Zoho CRM with these useful tips.



                                                                                                                                  Zoho Show Resources