Rules

Overview

The Rules section in Smartform is used to create dynamic, data-driven behavior based on values provided when a form is created. Rules allow Smartforms to react to incoming data, transform values, and control how the form behaves.

For new users, Rules should be configured in a clear sequence to ensure everything works as expected.

Recommended Setup Process

To work effectively with Rules, follow this order:

1. Create Variables
2. Create Data Transformation rules
3. Verify behavior using the Test Runner

Each step builds on the previous one.

Step 1: Create Variables

Variables are the foundation of the Rules system.

Variables represent the data that is passed into the Smartform when it is created via API or Workflow.
They act as placeholders that make this external data available inside the Smartform.

For development and testing purposes, a Smartform can also be created using a Dataset, allowing variables to be populated with test data without calling an API or Workflow.

Typical examples of variables include:

• Name
• Age
• Address
• Identifiers
• Lists or tables of data

Variables are used by:

• Data Transformation rules
• Show/Hide rules
• Page Templates

Without variables, rules cannot evaluate, transform, or react to incoming data.

➡️ Go to Rules → Variables and define all variables that your Smartform expects.

Step 2: Create Data Transformation Rules

Once variables are defined, you can create Data Transformation rules.

Data Transformation allows you to:

• Modify incoming data
• Set or update variable values
• Apply conditional logic (IF / ELSE)
• Split or categorize data
• Prepare values for Show/Hide rules and Page Templates

Rules are evaluated in order, and later rules can use the output of earlier ones.

➡️ Go to Rules → Data Transformation and add rules based on your variables.

Step 3: Verify Using Test Runner

The Test Runner is used to verify that your rules behave as expected.

In the Test Runner, you can:

• Enter test values for variables
• Run Data Transformation and Show/Hide rules
• See output values after rules are evaluated
• Validate logic before using live API or Workflow data

This makes it possible to test and debug rules without creating a real Smartform instance.

➡️ Go to Rules → Test Runner to test your setup.

Key Notes

• Variables must exist before they can be used in rules
• Rule order affects results
• Test Runner does not change live data

Following this process ensures a predictable, maintainable, and easy-to-understand Rules setup for Smartforms.