---
title: "Using Data Flow In a Form"
slug: "using-data-flow-form"
description: "This document shows users how to use a Data Flow in a Form. Data Flows can be triggered automatically or ran manually via user interaction. "
tags: ["Dynamic Behaviors"]
updated: 2025-06-16T18:12:50Z
published: 2025-06-16T18:12:50Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.decisions.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using Data Flow In a Form

## Overview

**Data Flows**allow user to execute Flow logic and push data back into the Form.

These can be triggered automatically or run based on user interaction. For example, a control's value may change based on the user inputs of a different control.

---

## Example

The following example Data Flow converts a String input dates such as month, day, and year from a **TextBox** to a Date that then appears in a **Date Picker**.

1. In a Designer Folder, create a Flow. It will automatically open in the Flow Designer.
2. After the **Start**step, add a **Show Form** step from the **Favorite Steps**category and create a new Form. It will automatically open in the Form Designer.
3. Add the following controls to the Form: one **Button** (Done), two **Labels** (Date as String, Date From String), one **Text Box** (Date as String), and finally one **Date Time Picker** (Date From String).
4. Open the Form's **Properties** panel to navigate to the FORM RULES section. Expand **Legacy**then select ADD next to **Data Flows.**  
**![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-08-14_11h53_04.png)**
5. The **Add Data Flows** dialog will appear. Name the **Flow Data then select PICK OR CREATE FLOW to create a new Data Flow.**
6. For the Data Flow, add the **Convert String to Date**step after the **Start**step. Connect it to the **End**step.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2025-06-16_14h02_06.png)
7. Select the **Start**step. In the **Properties**panel, under **Flow Inputs**, select SHOW EDITOR.
8. In the Data Definitions dialog, type DateAsString and leave the **Type**as **String**. Select CLOSE to save and close.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-08-21_10h40_30.png)
9. Select the **Convert String to Date** step in the workspace. Under **Inputs > String to Convert**, select **Pick**and choose **Date As String**. Select DONE.  
Notice under the **Outputs** section, the mapping type is set to **Rename,** and the Name is **Converted Date**.  
![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2025-06-16_14h04_00.png)
10. Select the**End**step, under **Data > Pick From Current Data**select **Converted Date**.
11. Save and close the Data Flow.  
![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2025-06-16_14h05_05.png)
12. In the Add Data Flows dialog, select UPDATE INPUTS.
13. Under Flow Inputs, select the pencil icon next to DateAsString. Change the **Input Type** to Form Control. Under Form Data Name, select the Date as String Textbox. Select OK.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-08-21_10h58_13.png)
14. Under Flow Outputs, select the pencil icon next to Flow: Converted Date. Select **Refresh all the components listening to this data name**. Select OK.
15. In the Add Data Flows dialog, select OK.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-08-21_10h58_56.png)
16. In the Form, select the Date Time Picker. In the Properties panel, navigate to **Common Properties > Data Name** and select PICK FROM DATA.
17. In the Pick Data dialog, choose **Flow: Converted Date**, select PICK.
18. Save and Close the Form Designer.  
![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2024-08-21_10h59_58.png)

### Debug

1. In the Flow Designer, select **Debug** on the top panel.
2. Select the START DEBUGGING.
3. The Form will appear allowing users to type a date. The Date As String date picker will automatically change on based on the user's date value in the Textbox.  
![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2025-06-16_14h11_21.png)![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/2025-06-16_14h12_14.png)

---

For further information on Forms, visit the [Decisions Forum](https://community.decisions.com/categories/Forms).