MANUAL
Forms Management System: www.formdesk.com
 
 
 

Import result entries
 
With the import functionality you can upload data from an excel sheet into your form. Formdesk will fill in a new form for each row in the Excel sheet. Reasons for importing data could be:
1. Sending out invitations using the group e-mail to complete your form
2. Create visitors for login forms
3. Copy data from one form to another
4. Make bulk changes to your result entries
 
 
General information about importing result entries
 
This document discusses the following:
Where can I import?
Requirements import file
Update result entries 
Import visitors
Filter on imported data
 

Where can I import?
You will find the import button below in the results overview
 
 

Requirements import file
 
  • The importfile must be an Excel sheet
  • The first row of the excel sheet must contain the column headers
  • The column headers must match the identifiers of the corresponding questions on the form (see screenshot)

    When you start the import you will be given the opportunity to download a sample file which you can use as a basis for the import file if you wish.
 
 

Update result entries
It is possible to overwrite existing result entries with those from the import file. This should then contain a column header _FD_ID (the entry ID). This can be especially useful if you later added an extra question that you want pre-populated or when updating data in a lookup form. Also, if you want to make certain adjustments to the results, it can be useful to first download them to Excel and from there to make the adjustments, which you then import again. The entry ID, sequence numbers and edit codes will be preserved.

NOTE! Are you using lookups and/or dependencies in your form? They will not automatically be executed again after you import. This can lead to a 'skewed' image in the copy of the completed form (system code _FD_CompletedForm without parameter IgnoreDependencies). Lookups that are normally performed when opening the form will not be performed again when editing the result.
 

Import visitors
If you use the setting Visitor must be able to maintain own form entries on your form, then a visitor will have to identify himself/herself with a username and password to fill out the form. You can import these visitors onto your form.
For more information see the paragraph Import visitor data in the manual Visitors can maintain their own entries.
 

Filter on imported data
You can recognize the imported data in the results overview by the date in the column "Submitted" which is identical to the date of import and a time of 00:00. You can use an Advanced filter or a Pre-set filter for example to delete the imported data.