---
title: "Remote Lookup (Beta)"
slug: "form-builder-remote-lookup-beta"
updated: 2026-10-28T14:24:54Z
published: 2026-10-28T14:24:54Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/form-builder-remote-lookup-beta"
---

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

# Remote Lookup (Beta)

Remote lookup fills in form fields with data from your own web service. This article covers how to set up a remote lookup in the Form Builder. It also shows the data your service receives and returns.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> Remote lookup is in beta and available by request. To turn it on for your account, contact [FastField Support](https://www.quickbase.com/support).

## How remote lookup works

A remote lookup is a type of [lookup mapping](/fastfield/docs/en/form-builder-use-lookup-mappings-to-auto-populate-fields-with-data). Instead of searching a Lookup List or Data Table, it sends the user's answers to a URL you provide.

1. A user answers the search fields in the FastField mobile app.
2. The app sends those answers to your URL as JSON in an HTTP POST.
3. Your service returns a field key and value for each field to fill in.
4. The app fills in the matching fields on the form.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> Remote lookup doesn't work in the web app or the form preview.

## Set up a remote lookup

1. In the Form Builder, select **Settings** in the bottom toolbar, then select **Lookup Mappings**.
2. Select **Add Mapping**, then enter a **Mapping Name**.
3. In **Lookup Type**, select **Remote Lookup**.

![The Lookup Type menu in a new mapping, with Remote Lookup](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/remotelookup-01-lookup-type.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A43%3A16Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A43%3A16Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=V5eI59Cdt0MWiNv7yr1m25cg%2BJszXzaz83WOQzM8g3c%3D)

1. In **HTTP URL**, enter the address of your service. Use an HTTPS address.
2. If your service needs sign-in details, turn on **Basic Auth** and enter a **Username** and **Password**. Or turn on **Token Auth** and enter a **Token Key** and **Token Value**.

![A remote lookup mapping with an HTTP URL and Token Auth turned on](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/remotelookup-02-url-and-auth.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A43%3A16Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A43%3A16Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=V5eI59Cdt0MWiNv7yr1m25cg%2BJszXzaz83WOQzM8g3c%3D)

1. Under Search Fields, select the form field to send in **Field**. Select **+ Add Search Field** to send more fields.

You can send List, Global List, Lookup List, DataTable List, Static Text, Bar Code, NFC Reader, and Web Link fields.

1. Select **Save**, then select **Save Draft**.

## Test your service

Under Testing, select **Sample POST JSON** or **Sample Return JSON** to download an example of each message. Use them to build and test your service.

![The Search Fields and Testing sections of a remote lookup mapping](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/remotelookup-03-search-fields-testing.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A43%3A16Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A43%3A16Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=V5eI59Cdt0MWiNv7yr1m25cg%2BJszXzaz83WOQzM8g3c%3D)

### JSON sent to your URL

FastField sends the mapping name and each search field's key and value. If you use authentication, the sign-in details go in the authorization part of the call.

```plaintext
{
  "mappingName": "Flowers",
  "searchMappings": [
    {
      "searchField": "lookuplistpicker_1",
      "searchValue": "testdata1"
    }
  ]
}
```

### JSON your service returns

Return 1 record with the field key and value of each field to fill in. The app ignores any field key that isn't in the form.

```plaintext
{
  "mappingName": "Flowers",
  "resultMappings": [
    {
      "fieldKey": "field_1",
      "value": "Test Data"
    },
    {
      "fieldKey": "field_2",
      "value": "More Test Data"
    }
  ]
}
```

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> The Assistant can't set up remote lookups.

## What's next

- [Use lookup mappings to auto-populate fields with data](/fastfield/docs/en/form-builder-use-lookup-mappings-to-auto-populate-fields-with-data)
- [Bar code reader](/fastfield/docs/en/form-builder-bar-code-reader)
- [NFC reader](/fastfield/docs/en/nfc-reader)