Everest Forms allows advanced users to edit the meta keys associated with form fields. While this feature provides greater flexibility for data management and integration with other systems, it requires careful handling to prevent data loss and form functionality issues.

⚠️Important Warning
Editing meta keys carries significant risks:
- Data Loss: Changing a meta key will break the connection to previously submitted data.
- Form Malfunction: Improperly formatted meta keys may cause form processing errors.
- Integration Failure: External connections relying on specific meta keys will stop working.
- Conditional Logic Issues: Any conditional logic using the field will need reconfiguration.

Hence, only edit meta keys if you fully understand these consequences and have a specific technical need. Approach any modifications with extreme care, ensuring they are necessary and completed accurately.

Compatibility Note: The meta key editor feature is available in Everest Forms Pro version 1.9.3 and higher.

Editing Meta Keys in Everest Forms: Proceed with Caution #

For the safest experience when editing meta keys, follow this process:

Preparation Phase #

1. Create a complete backup of your WordPress database.
2. Go to Everest Forms > Entries.
3. Export all entries for the form you’ll be modifying to CSV.

4. Next, document the current meta keys for the form and their corresponding fields.

Editing Phase #

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard and navigate to Everest Forms > All Forms. Now, open the form you wish to modify.
2. Click on the form field you want to edit in the form builder.
3. In the Field Options panel on the left, locate the Advanced tab. Here, you can find the Meta Key field, which is editable.

Note the current meta key value.

4. Next, click on the Edit link, and you’ll now be allowed to edit the meta key

5. Edit the meta key following these formatting rules:

• Begin with a letter
• Use only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores
• Keep it concise but descriptive
• Ensure it’s unique within this form

6. Click on the tick to save the change, or cross out to discard the changes.

7. Repeat for any other fields that need modification.
8. Save the changes for the entire form after you’re done with the modification.

Now, if you go back to check the form entries, you’ll not see the data for the modified field:

However, if users fill out the form after you change the meta key, the entries will have the new data.

Testing Phase #

To make sure that your form is working correctly:

1. Create a test submission.
2. Verify that the submission appears correctly in Entries.
3. Check that any integrations or conditional logic still function.
4. Validate any custom code that references these fields.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting #

Missing previous entry data

• This is expected behavior. Changing a meta key creates a new database column, disconnecting from previous submissions.
• Use your exported data to reference historical submissions.

Form submission errors

• Verify your meta keys follow the formatting guidelines.
• Check for duplicate meta keys within the form.
• Ensure meta keys aren’t excessively long.

Integration failures

• Update any integration mappings to use the new meta keys.
• Reconfigure webhooks or API connections with updated field references.

Hence, strictly follow the steps mentioned in the preparation phase before editing the meta key for any field.

Fields That Do Not Support Meta Key Editing #

Certain field types in Everest Forms do not allow for meta key editing. These include:

• Custom HTML: This field type allows you to add custom HTML codes to your form but does not grant you the ability to edit its meta key.
• Divider: The Divider field type creates visual separations between different sections in your form. However, you cannot edit its meta key.
• Section Title: This field type adds titles to your sections for better organization and aesthetics. Like the above, this field type does not provide a feature for meta key editing.
• Reset: The Reset field type allows users to clear all input data in the form. Despite its practicality, it does not include the option for meta key editing.

We recommend creating new fields if meta key editing is crucial for your form.