PDF Editor: How to split name field to customize PDF file name with last name first

I'm trying to name the pdf by {Form title} - {lastname}, {firstname} {submission date} but the form fields only gives me the option to do {form title} - {name} {submission date}

IS there a way to split up the name field so that I can put the last name first?

Hi Alex,

Thanks for reaching out to Jotform Support. Presently, it is not possible to split the First Name and Last Name separately using the standard Full Name field within the PDF Editor. However, there is a workaround to achieve this, let me show you how:

1. In Form Builder, click on Add Element+ on the top-left of your screen.

2. Under Widgets tab, add two Substring widgets to your form by clicking or dragging it to your form.

3. Hover your mouse over the field and click on the Wand icon under the field.

4. Set the fields on the right as below and click on the Update Widget button:

For the first name:

• Source field ID: The field ID of the first name
• Substring start: 0
• Substring end: 100

For the last name:

• Source field ID: The field ID of the last name
• Substring start: 0
• Substring end: 100

Now, you can change the PDF file name by selecting the first and last substring field. We have a guide about How to Change the PDF Attachment's Filename that you can check out.

Give it a try and let us know how it goes.

Thank you for this feedback. I was able to create the substrings in the form with no problem. However, the substring fields do not appear to be options when customizing the .pdf filename. Any other suggestions? I may just need to create another “Name” field and then rename one field as “First Name” and the other as “Last Name”
Thanks,
Alex
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Hi Alex,

You’re correct that the substring widget can’t be used as an option when customizing the PDF name, since this relies on standard input fields. I suggest using two Short Text fields labeled First Name and Last Name so you can easily map the fields in the PDF without overcomplicating the data handling. We can also help you with CSS if you’d like to shorten the width of the fields or place them side by side.

Keep us updated and let us know if you need any more help. 

Thanks for your help with the substring widget. Ultimately, I created 2 new hidden short text fields, first name and last name. I used the substrings and conditional logic to auto-fill those new fields. I can now name the pdf files with LastName, FirstName. Thanks.

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Hi Alex,

To keep the conversation organized, I moved your other question to its own thread, and someone from our Support Team will help you with it here.

Reach out again if there’s anything else we can help you with.