How to use URL Query Parameters with EZ File Drop

URL query parameters are a powerful feature geared towards those with a technical background. If you're new to this, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the basics before diving in. We're here to help if you have questions.

URL query parameters, also known simply as query parameters or query strings, are a way to pass data to a website in the URL of a web request. Within EZ File Drop, query parameters can be used to pre-fill form fields of an upload form.

Feature highlights of URL query parameters in EZ File Drop:

• Query parameters are available to users with a Business and Premium subscription.
• Query parameters are supported in the following field types: text, email, phone, and hidden fields.
• Query parameters are not currently supported in the following field types: short answer, dropdown, single checkbox, multiple checkbox, radio buttons.
• An Upload Form can support multiple query parameters, separated by a "&" symbol in the URL.
• Each query parameter key is customizable and does not have to match the Form Field Title that is displayed on the Upload Form.
• Form field input boxes that are pre-filled with content from a query parameter can be set to editable, read only, or hidden.
• Query parameters will work with native EZ File Drop pages as well as on your own websites that have an EZ File Drop Upload Form embedded.
• When used with query parameters, hidden (form) fields allow you to pass along information from origin apps and data sources to EZ File Drop without displaying this information on the upload form itself. The data in these hidden fields can be used in email notifications and for dynamic file organization when you create dynamic subfolders or rename files.

Using query parameters to pre-fill input boxes of an upload form can be very useful, especially when trying to improve user experience or streamline a process.

How to Setup and Enable Query Parameters in EZ File Drop

• From the “Setup” menu of your Upload Form, scroll down to the “Form Fields” section.
  

• Click the gear icon for the form field that you want to create a parameter query.
• Click the “Advanced Settings” toggle.
  

• Pick a key that you will use to define this form field in the URL query parameter and type it into the “Key” field. Keys are case-sensitive and should not contain any special characters.
• Set the Field State. This setting gives you the option to set whether this form field input box remains editable, is displayed but read only, or is hidden entirely when a query parameter is used when opening this Upload Form.
• When you are done, click “Save”
  

Here's a use case to illustrate this concept:

Scenario:

• Imagine you run a custom printing business and use Etsy to receive orders.
• After a customer places an order, they use EZ File Drop to upload their artwork.
• URL query parameters streamline the artwork submission process.

1. Order Placed on Etsy:

Alice places an order on an Etsy store for custom poster printing. During the order process, she gives her name, and email address to Etsy, and Etsy generates an Order ID. 

2. Generating a Personalized Link:

Using the API tools available in Etsy, the print shop generates a personalized link for Alice to upload her artwork on EZ File Drop. The link is constructed by appending the Etsy order ID, customer name, and email address into the EZ File Drop URL:

Here's a breakdown of the URL with query parameters:

• The main part of the URL is https://app.ezfiledrop.com/123456/artworksubmission
• The question mark (?) indicates the beginning of the query parameters.
• Each key-value pair (e.g., param1=value1) represents a single query parameter. The key and value are separated by an equal sign (=).
• Multiple query parameters are separated by the ampersand (&) character.

3. Alice Uploads Her Artwork

When Alice receives her email instructing her to upload her artwork, she clicks the link and sees a file upload form. What she doesn’t see is just as important…form fields that require her to enter her name, email address, phone number, and Etsy order ID. All of that information was passed seamlessly through the URL, loaded into the form, and hidden. Even though she doesn’t see it, all of that information will be passed to EZ File Drop with her file upload. Optionally, you could choose to pre-fill all of this information but still have the form fields visible.

Since EZ File Drop still receives all of that information, the company can use the Etsy order ID to create a dynamic subfolder for her artwork, and send her a personalized email notification confirming that her artwork has been received.

Benefits of using query parameters:

• Streamlined Experience: Alice doesn't have to remember or manually input details, leading to a smoother experience.
• Reduced Errors: By minimizing manual input, there's a lower chance of typos or mistakes.
• Increased Trust: The personalized touch (seeing her name and order ID) assures Alice that she's uploading her artwork in the correct place.
• Such integrations, when used correctly, can substantially elevate the user experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business.

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