Using Default Values on Your Forms

Default values let you pre-fill form fields with information you already know, so patients and staff don't have to type it in every time. This article explains what default values are, when to use them, and how to set them up on your Zentake forms.

What are default values?

A default value is the text, selection, or value that a form field starts with before anyone fills it out. Instead of leaving a field blank, the field opens already populated with the value you set.

Defaults are still editable. Whoever fills out the form — a patient or a staff member — can accept the pre-filled value or change it. Setting a default simply saves them from entering information you already have or that rarely changes.

A few common examples:

• A "State" field that defaults to the state where your practice is located.
• A "Referring provider" field that defaults to the provider most of your patients see.
• A "Country" field that defaults to "United States."
• A consent checkbox that starts unchecked, or a marketing opt-in that starts checked.
• A date field that defaults to today's date.

Why use default values?

Defaults reduce friction and improve data quality. The main benefits:

• Faster completion. Patients skip past fields whose answers rarely change, so forms feel shorter and get finished more often.
• Fewer errors. When most patients should select the same answer, a sensible default reduces typos and accidental wrong selections.
• Consistency. Standardized defaults keep your records clean and predictable, which makes downstream reporting and lookups easier.
• Less repetitive work for staff. For internal or staff-completed forms, defaults remove the need to re-enter the same information on every submission.

How to set a default value

You set default values while building or editing a form. The steps are the same whether you're creating a new form or updating an existing one.

1. Open the form you want to edit in the form builder.
2. Click the field you want to add a default to. This opens that field's settings.
3. Find the Default value option in the field's settings panel.
4. Enter or select the value you want the field to start with.
5. Save your changes. The default will now appear whenever the form is opened.

Tip: Preview the form after saving to confirm the default appears the way you expect, and that it can still be changed.

Frequently asked questions

Can patients change a default value?

Yes. A default is just a starting value. Anyone filling out the form can edit or replace it before submitting.

Will changing a default affect forms that were already submitted?

No. Default values apply to new submissions going forward. Forms already submitted keep the values they were filled out with.

Should I set a default on required fields?

You can, but be thoughtful. A default on a required field means a patient can submit without consciously reviewing that answer. For sensitive or critical fields, consider leaving them blank so the patient must make a deliberate choice.

Can a default value be dynamic, like today's date?

Some field types support dynamic defaults such as the current date. Check the field's settings to see what options are available.