Lookup field lets you reference and reuse submitted data from one form in another.
This is helpful when you want users to select from previously submitted responses, like names, IDs, or entries from another dataset, without manually re-entering information.
📝 Additional Insights
Looking to transfer data automatically between forms without relying on manual input?
🔗 Check out this related article:
👉 How to connect forms with automatic data transfer
This tutorial shows you how to pass data from one form to another, great for step-by-step flows or linking forms with pre-filled data!
✨ Why use lookup fields
Avoid repetitive input by referencing existing data
Improve accuracy with searchable dropdowns
Enable dynamic options by allowing users to add new entries
Create connected workflows across multiple forms
For example, let’s say you’ve created a "Student Performance Evaluation" form.
Now you want to build a "Student Mental Health Check" form and allow users to select students' names from the submitted evaluations instead of typing them in again.
Let’s see how!
Step 1: Create the first form and submit data
Build the form that will act as your data source.
For example: Student performance evaluation
Add fields like student name, ID, class, etc.
✨Important: After creating the form, submit at least one entry so the lookup field can access sample data during setup.
Step 2: Create the second form with a lookup field
Now, create your second form, the one that will reference the first form's data.
For example: Student mental health check form
Go to the form editor
From the field list, add the Lookup field into your form
In the field settings (right sidebar):
Choose the source form (e.g. Student performance evaluation)
Select the field to pull data from (e.g. Student Name)
📝 You’ll see the dropdown auto-populate with existing submissions from the selected form.
Step 3: (Optional) Allow adding new entries
You can let users add new entries to the dropdown if the data they’re looking for isn’t there.
In the lookup field settings, toggle "Enable users to add new records to this field" to allow this.
🔘 On – Users can search or add new items
🔘 Off – Users can only choose from existing submissions
📌 Example use case
Instead of asking the question "Which student are you evaluating?" and having the user type a name, you can use the Lookup field to show a drop-down list from the submitted names in the Student Performance Evaluation form.
It reduces error, saves time, and makes your form more connected and user-friendly.