Add a hidden field

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How do I add a hidden field to my form?

Adding a hidden field to your forms in ActiveCampaign can significantly enhance the data you collect about your contacts whenever they submit a form. This feature allows you to pass information such as UTM parameters or identify potential spam submissions without displaying these fields to the user. Understanding how to implement this effectively can lead to better data management and form performance.

What is a Hidden Field?

A hidden field is a field that is not visible to the users filling out the form but can still store important data about them. It's commonly used to collect additional information that can help in tracking marketing campaigns or filtering out unwanted spam. By leveraging hidden fields in your forms, you can enhance your contact management capabilities without overwhelming the user with additional input requirements.

Why It Matters

Using hidden fields is vital for several reasons:

• **Data Collection**: Gain insights into campaign performance by tracking parameters like UTM values.
• **Spam Prevention**: Identify bot-generated submissions, allowing for more accurate record-keeping.
• **User Experience**: Keep forms clean and user-friendly by eliminating unnecessary visible fields.

How to Access This Feature

To access the functionality for adding a hidden field to your form, follow these steps: 1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the **Website** section. 3. Click on **Forms** to view your existing forms.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create a Hidden Field

To add a hidden field to your form, follow these detailed steps:

1. Navigate to **Website** > **Forms**.
2. Locate the form you wish to work with and click the Edit button.
3. The form builder will load, displaying all editing and style options in the right pane.
4. Click the Fields option on the right pane, then click My Fields.
5. Click the Add a custom field button.
6. An Add Field modal window will open:

  * Type the name of the field into the Field name field.
  * Click the Group dropdown and select the appropriate group for this field.
  * Click the Field Type dropdown and select the hidden field option.
  * Click the Add button.
  * A personalization tag will be created for your field (e.g., %FIELDNAME%).

1. The hidden field will now be available in the **Fields** > **My Fields** section. You may need to scroll down to find it. Once located, drag it to your form in the form builder.

Using Hidden Fields to Collect Information About Your Contacts

After adding a hidden field, you can collect data through various methods:

• **Add a Query String to Your Form's URL**: This method allows you to append values via URL parameters. For instance, if your hidden field is named "UTM campaign" (personalization tag: %UTM_CAMPAIGN%), modify your form's URL by appending ?utm_campaign=Test to pass the value you desire.

• **Add a Fixed Value to Your Full Embed Code**: After creating your hidden field, integrate it into your website’s code, embedding a fixed value directly into the HTML of your form.

• **Add a Dynamic Value**: Insert custom code on your site that dynamically submits values to your hidden field upon form submission.

Using Hidden Fields to Help Identify Spam Submissions

A hidden field can also aid in distinguishing legitimate submissions from potential spam. To do this: - Create a hidden field and leave it blank. Label it something identifiable as "Spam" or "Spam Contact." - If this field is filled out upon submission, it likely indicates a spam bot submission.

While this method can offer insights, it is not a guaranteed solution. For enhanced protection against spam, consider integrating a CAPTCHA challenge or enabling double opt-in, both of which are discussed further in ActiveCampaign's documentation.

Configuration Options and Settings

When working with hidden fields, keep in mind:

• Field Name: The name you assign while setting up a hidden field.
• Group: The categorization under which your hidden field falls.
• Field Type: Must be selected as hidden field.

These elements will guide you in the appropriate setup for your forms.

Best Practices and Tips

• Always name your hidden fields clearly to ensure they are easily identifiable later.
• Use descriptive labels for UTM parameters or identifying info, as they will assist in reporting and analytics.
• Regularly check the submissions that use your hidden fields to track statistics effectively.
• Consider employing multiple hidden fields if needed to track various parameters simultaneously.

Common Use Cases

• **Marketing Tracking**: Use hidden fields for capturing campaign identifiers through URL parameters.
• **Segmentation**: Gather noise data that can later help in analytics and improving your marketing outreach.
• **Spam Identification**: Implement hidden fields to help mitigate unwanted submissions, enhancing your form's integrity.

Troubleshooting Section

If you encounter issues while adding hidden fields, consider the following:

• Ensure you are working with an Inline form, as hidden fields cannot be added to floating boxes, floating bars, or modal forms.
• Verify that the personalization tags you’re using in URLs match those in your hidden fields.
• Review the settings in your form to ensure no conflicts arise with other field types.

FAQ

1. What type of data can I store in a hidden field?

You can store any text data, such as campaign identifiers, user IDs, or other relevant information.

1. Can I use hidden fields in all types of forms?

No, hidden fields are exclusively available for use with Inline forms.

1. How do I ensure my hidden fields are collecting data correctly?

Test your forms by submitting them with different values in the URL and verify they populate the corresponding hidden fields.

1. What happens if a bot fills out the hidden field?

If a bot fills out the hidden field, it can indicate a spam submission. Regular checks can help identify such cases.

1. Can I customize the field name later?

Once a hidden field is created, the name can be found in your fields list, but changing it may require additional steps.

1. Is it possible to use multiple hidden fields in one form?

Yes, you can add several hidden fields to capture different parameters within a single form.

1. How do I manage spam submissions effectively?

Utilize hidden fields in conjunction with CAPTCHA and enable double opt-in features for maximum protection against spam.

For detailed guidance on related functionalities, consider exploring further resources on Forms. ```