How do I update forms in ODK Central?

[mathieubossaert]

Hi Maria,

you can update the form version without any fear. Even if people do have unset submissions from older version.

@Maria2050

• What should be defined in the settings sheet (form_title, form_id / id_string, version)

• form_id is the id of the form within Central. It can't be changed.
• form_title is how you form is named in the form list in collect.
• form_version is the version name of successive form versions (with the same form_id)

@Maria2050

• Is it mandatory to explicitly define a form_id?

Yes.

@Maria2050

• How can I safely update the form version without affecting users who already have saved submissions?

You should read some recommandations and best practices here : https://docs.getodk.org/central-forms/#updating-forms-to-a-new-version

@Maria2050

• What is the recommended best practice for version naming?

You can check the xlsform template which uses a timestamp to name versions.

Mathieu