> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://blog.jestor.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Public Form or Update Link: Which Should You Send?
- URL: https://blog.jestor.com/public-form-or-update-link/
- Published: 2026-09-17T22:33:07.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-17T22:33:07.000Z
- Author: Bruno Bannach

The difference between a **public form or update link** is what happens on submission. A form creates a new record; an update link edits one that already exists.

## Why sending the wrong one creates duplicates

Most forms create. Asking someone to correct information with a creation form produces a second copy of the same thing.

- Two supplier records where there should be one
- Corrections submitted as new entries nobody merges
- Manual reconciliation to determine which is current
- Data quality falling with every round of follow-up

## When to use each

| Situation               | Send                                        |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **First contact**       | A public form, creating the record          |
| **Missing document**    | An update link, editing the existing record |
| **Annual data refresh** | An update link, so history is preserved     |
| **Correcting an error** | An update link, scoped to the wrong fields  |

## How to configure both in Jestor

1. Build the public form in **Jestor** for initial submissions and generate its link.
2. Add the update link field to the table, which generates links automatically.
3. Choose where the update form comes from — an app, the table's form, or a public form.
4. Point it at a form scoped to only the fields you are asking about.
5. Decide whether the field copies the link or opens it, and customize the button.

## Why choose Jestor for external data collection?

Before the update link field existed, these links had to be assembled with formulas and automations. **Jestor** now generates them from a field, removing both the setup and the risk of it breaking.

Because any form can be used, the update experience keeps your branding, conditionals, and layout rather than reverting to a generic template.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does an update link create a new record?

No, it edits the existing one. See [jestor.com](https://jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com).

### Can I limit which fields it asks for?

Yes, by pointing it at a scoped form.

### Does the person need an account?

No, neither option requires one.

## Video Tutorial: Step by Step

Check out other practical tutorials on the Jestor YouTube channel.

## Get to know Jestor

With **Jestor**, you can automate workflows, connect teams, and build internal systems your way — all without code and powered by **AI**. Discover Jestor at [jestor.com](https://jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com) and see how to take your company's operations to a new level of efficiency and control.