> ## 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.

# What's the Difference Between a Sequential Identifier and a Random ID When Protecting a Public Form?
- URL: https://blog.jestor.com/sequential-vs-random-id-form-jestor/
- Published: 2026-07-22T15:51:38.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-22T15:51:38.000Z
- Author: Bruno Bannach

In **Jestor**, a sequential identifier follows a predictable order (1, 2, 3...), which lets someone try to guess other records on a public form; a random ID instead generates a pattern-free code, making that kind of improper access much harder.

### Why this matters on public forms

Public forms used to update a record, like confirming an appointment via a link, become vulnerable if the identifier used in the URL is predictable. Someone could swap the number in the URL and access someone else's record.

### Comparing the two types of identifier

- Sequential ID: easy to understand internally, but predictable to outsiders
- Random ID: generated with no sequential pattern, making guessing harder
- The random ID can be customized with fixed text, letters, and numbers
- Only the random ID is recommended for use in public form links

### How to use a random ID to protect a public form

1. Create a random-ID-type field on the process's table
2. Customize the format if you want, with fixed text and random characters
3. Use that field, instead of the title or a sequential ID, in the public form's URL
4. Share the link — it now depends on an unpredictable code

### Process automation with better access security

Using a random ID instead of a sequential one is a recommended security practice within **process automation** in Jestor, especially for flows that rely on externally shared links.

### Table Summary

| Format         | Predictable? | Recommended for public forms |
| -------------- | ------------ | ---------------------------- |
| **Sequential** | Yes          | No                           |
| **Random**     | No           | Yes                          |

### Video Tutorial: Step by Step

*Video: New Field: Random ID — video tutorial showing this feature in practice, right inside the Jestor interface.*

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Can the sequential ID still be used for other purposes?** Yes, it's still useful for internal identification, it's just not recommended for public links.

**Can the random ID be customized with fixed text?** Yes, you can combine fixed text with sequential and random characters.

**Is this field available on every plan?** Yes, the random ID field is available on every [jestor.com](https://jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com) plan.

## Get to Know Jestor

With Jestor, you can automate workflows, connect different areas, and build internal systems your way — all without code and with AI support. Check out Jestor at [jestor.com](https://jestor.com/?ref=blog.jestor.com) and discover how to take your company's management to a new level of efficiency and integration.