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Auto-Populate Form Fields in WordPress with Data Sources

Populate form choices automatically from WordPress, presets, and supported custom field plugins.

  • Auto-populate field choices Populate Select, Checkbox, Radio, and other data list fields automatically.
  • Preset data sources Choose from over 25 categorized presets such as countries or U.S. states.
  • Use WordPress content Pull options from posts, pages, custom post types, taxonomies, and users.
  • Supported plugin choices Use choices from ACF, Meta Box, Pods, and Toolset fields.
  • PHP filter hook support Populate data grids using your own custom PHP code.
  • Column mapping controls Map columns for labels, values, and action variables.

Data Sources let you automatically populate Select, Checkbox, and Radio fields, plus other fields that support data lists. In WordPress, you can pull choices from presets, posts, terms, users, and supported custom field plugins.

Choose a data source, configure its settings, and click Get Data to retrieve and preview the results. WS Form also supports optional column mapping, so you can choose which columns are used for labels, values, and action variables.

Some data sources update dynamically in real time as your WordPress content changes. You can also switch a data source to Off to manually edit the data grid and make it static.

  • Works with key fields

    Use data sources with Select, Checkbox, and Radio fields, as well as other fields that support data lists.

  • 25+ preset options

    Start quickly with categorized presets, including lists such as countries and U.S. states.

  • Posts and pages

    List posts, pages, and other custom post types as field choices.

  • Terms and taxonomies

    Populate choices from any taxonomy, including categories and tags.

  • Filter users by role

    Build user-based choice lists and filter them by role.

  • Dynamic real-time updates

    Post, term, and user-based sources stay up to date as your WordPress data changes.

  • Static or dynamic

    Switch the data source to Off to manually edit the data grid and stop automatic updates.

  • Preview before publishing

    Retrieve data into a preview grid, then preview the form to test your field settings.

Real Customer Reviews

Trusted by thousands of WordPress professionals.

  • It does it all. I can create multi-step forms, conditional forms, and add all sorts of actions. Support is amazing, and they added a missing integration feature in like 24 hours.

    – kunzi

  • The WS Form plugin is fantastic. There are a ton of options and integrations that make this a must have addition. Add to this world class (not kidding) support and WS Form is the right choice.

    – brettfielo

  • WS Form empowers me to expand my horizons with what is possible with WordPress and then deliver my ideas and designs without seeking a third party dev / frontend resource.

    – hmwstudio

Frequently Asked Questions

What fields can use Data Sources in WS Form?

Data Sources can automatically populate Select, Checkbox, and Radio fields, as well as other fields that support data lists.

What data sources are available?

Available data sources include Preset, Posts, Terms, Users, WordPress Filter Hook, ACF Field Options, Meta Box Field Options, Pods Field Options, and Toolset Field Options.

Can I populate fields from WordPress content?

Yes. You can populate fields from posts, pages, custom post types, taxonomies, categories, tags, and users.

Do Data Sources update automatically?

Yes. WS Form updates dynamic data sources in real time. For example, user, post, and term-based lists stay up to date as your WordPress data changes.

Can I make a Data Source static?

Yes. Choosing Off as the Data Source lets you manually edit the data grid and stops it updating automatically if the original source data changes.

What is column mapping used for?

Column mapping lets you choose which column is used for labels shown on the form, values stored when a choice is made, and action variables used in email notifications and other actions.

How do I connect data sources in WS Form?

Open the field settings, choose a data source from the field’s data grid settings, configure it, click Get Data, check the column mapping, then save and preview your form. You can also learn more here: Data Sources.

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