Autofill Location ID in Google Forms with QR Code URLs

Yes, Google Forms supports autofilling fields like Location_ID using unique URL parameters tailored for each QR code location. Just craft a custom URL such as https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/[your-form-id]/viewform?entry.XXXXX=StoreA for every spot, generate a QR code from it, and responses will automatically populate the Location_ID column in your linked spreadsheet—no manual entry needed. This keeps everything in one form and sheet while distinguishing locations effortlessly.

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Contents

• How Google Forms URL Prefilling Works
• Step 1: Identify Your Location_ID Entry ID
• Step 2: Build Custom URLs for Each Location
• Step 3: Generate QR Codes for Google Forms
• Step 4: Test and Deploy Your Setup
• Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting
• Sources
• Conclusion

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How Google Forms URL Prefilling Works

Picture this: you’ve got QR codes plastered around stores, events, or kiosks. Someone scans one, the form pops up, and boom—the Location_ID field is already filled with “DowntownStore” or whatever. No typing required. That’s the magic of Google Forms’ prefill feature.

It works by appending query parameters to your form’s shareable link. The key? Each form question gets a unique “entry” ID (like entry.123456789). Slap a value after it, like ?entry.123456789=StoreA, and Google Forms auto-inserts it. Respondents can still edit it if you want, or make it hidden for seamlessness.

This trick has been around for years, powering everything from personalized surveys to check-in sheets. A detailed breakdown shows how it simplifies data collection, especially for date fields or defaults. And for QR codes in Google Forms, it’s perfect—dynamic links mean one form handles multiple locations without duplicate sheets.

Why bother? Your spreadsheet stays clean: all responses in one tab, with Location_ID distinguishing entries. Scale it to 50 spots? No sweat.

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Step 1: Identify Your Location_ID Entry ID

First things first—nab that entry ID. Open your Google Form in edit mode. Click the Location_ID question. Check the URL in your browser; it’ll show something like entry.1750937350. That’s your golden ticket.

Can’t spot it? Preview the form (eye icon), then inspect the page source (right-click > View Page Source). Search for “Location_ID” or your question text. You’ll find lines like <input name="entry.1750937350"...>. Boom, ID confirmed.

Pro tip: Add the Location_ID field early in your form—first question is ideal. Make it a short text field. If you want it invisible to users, there’s a workaround later.

Reddit folks swear by this for bulk setups: one thread shares placeholder tricks like “FFFIRSTNAMEEE” to map values easily.

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Step 2: Build Custom URLs for Each Location

Got the ID? Time to customize. Start with your form’s share link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfabc123/viewform.

Append ?entry.1750937350=YourLocationID. Examples:

• Store A: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfabc123/viewform?entry.1750937350=StoreA
• Event Booth: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfabc123/viewform?entry.1750937350=BoothB

For multiple fields? Chain them: ?entry.1750937350=StoreA&entry.987654321=2026-01-14. Test by pasting into a browser—the field should prefill.

Trevor Fox’s guide nails dynamic prefills, even tying into email merge tags. Yours is simpler—no backend needed.

Batch-create these? Use a spreadsheet: Column A for locations, formula ="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfabc123/viewform?entry.1750937350="&A2. Copy-paste heaven.

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Step 3: Generate QR Codes for Google Forms

Now, QR time. Free tools abound, but pick ones handling long URLs well.

1. Head to QRCodeChimp—plug in your custom URL, tweak colors to match branding.
2. Or QR Code Generator for dynamic QR codes: update the form link later without reprinting.
3. Google’s Marketplace has QR Code for Google Forms—generates directly in Sheets.

Print on stickers, posters, whatever. Dynamic ones track scans too—handy for seeing which Location_ID performs.

Jotform’s tool is quick for basics. Aim for high contrast; blurry scans kill conversions.

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Step 4: Test and Deploy Your Setup

Don’t skip testing. Scan a QR on your phone—does Location_ID autofill? Submit a response. Check your spreadsheet: new row with the right value?

Edge cases: Multiple scans from one device? Form resets fine. Prefill overrides? Users can change it.

Link the form to a Sheet if not already (Responses > Link to Sheets). Column headers match questions, so Location_ID lands perfectly.

Deploy: Print QR codes, place 'em. Watch responses roll in, segmented by location. One form, one sheet, zero hassle.

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Advanced Tips and Troubleshooting

Want to hide the Location_ID field? Sadly, Google Forms doesn’t natively support hidden fields. Workaround: Place it first, instruct “Don’t change this,” or use Google Apps Script to post-process.

Bulk locations? Scripts or tools like Zapier can generate URLs. Track scans? Dynamic QR from QRCodeChimp logs locations.

Troubles? URL too long? Shorten with Bitly first, but test prefills. No autofill? Wrong entry ID—double-check preview source. Form not public? Fix sharing settings.

For Russian users, sites like ME-QR offer localized generators. Scales to hundreds of spots—no duplicates.

Here’s where it shines: Events, retail feedback, COVID check-ins (old but gold). Your data’s location-aware instantly.

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Sources

1. Let’s auto fill Google Forms with URL parameters
2. Dynamically Pre-fill Google Forms with URL Parameters
3. Auto fill Google Forms with URL parameters (Reddit)
4. QR code for Google Forms™ (Google Workspace)
5. QRCodeChimp for Google Forms
6. QR Code Generator: Google Form QR Code
7. Jotform QR Code for Google Forms

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Conclusion

Autofilling Location_ID via URL parameters in Google Forms with per-site QR codes is a game-changer—one form, one spreadsheet, location-smart data. Follow the steps: snag the entry ID, build URLs, generate QRs, test rigorously. You’ll save hours on manual sorting and get precise insights fast. Scale it today—what locations are you tagging first?