Gravity Forms IP Location Add-On

Enhances Gravity Forms with IP geolocation capabilities for intelligent form handling based on user location data.

Description

The Gravity Forms IP Location Add-On seamlessly integrates geolocation intelligence into your Gravity Forms. By leveraging the IPStack API, this add-on enables you to create location-aware forms that adapt to your users' geographic locations.

Key Features

• Dynamic Merge Tags: Insert location data directly into your forms using merge tags like {user:country}, {user:city}, {user:region}, etc.
• Auto-populate Hidden Fields: Automatically fill hidden fields with location data for use in form processing or third-party integrations
• Country-based Form Restrictions: Limit form submissions to users from specific countries
• Entry Location Data: Every submission includes detailed location information in the entry notes
• Smart Caching System: Multi-layered caching (memory, object cache, and transients) minimizes API calls and improves form performance

Common Use Cases

• Create region-specific promotions or offerings
• Validate shipping addresses against detected location
• Deliver country-specific pricing or content
• Comply with geographic service restrictions
• Track form submission origins for analytics

Technical Details

• Integrates with IPStack API (free and paid plans supported)
• Implements efficient multi-level cache to minimize API usage
• Supports location validation through admin-configurable country lists

Installation

1. Upload the gravityforms-ip-location folder to the /wp-content/plugins/ directory
2. Activate the plugin through the 'Plugins' menu in WordPress
3. Navigate to Forms → Settings → IP Location to configure your IPStack API key
4. Start using the location merge tags in your Gravity Forms

Configuration

API Setup

1. Create an account at IPStack to obtain your API key
2. Enter your API key in Forms → Settings → IP Location

Form Configuration

1. Navigate to your form's settings
2. Select the "IP Location" tab
3. Enable country validation if needed and select allowed countries

Using Merge Tags

Insert these merge tags into any field:

• {user:country} - User's country
• {user:city} - User's city
• {user:region} - User's region/state
• {user:continent} - User's continent
• {user:latitude} - User's latitude
• {user:longitude} - User's longitude

Hidden Field Auto-population

For hidden fields, simply set the default value to any of the merge tags above to capture location data with form submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an API key required?

Yes, this plugin requires an IPStack API key. They offer both free and paid plans.

How many API calls does this plugin make?

For each unique IP address, it makes one API call, then caches the result for 24 hours (successful lookups) or 1 hour (failed lookups).

How accurate is the location data?

The accuracy depends on the IPStack service and the user's connection. Country-level detection is generally reliable, while city and region accuracy may vary.

What happens if location detection fails?

If the API is unavailable or returns an error, the plugin will allow form submission to continue (fail open) and will log the error in the entry notes.

Can I restrict forms based on user location?

Yes, you can specify which countries are allowed to submit each form.

Does this work with GDPR compliance?

The plugin only processes IP addresses for the purpose of form functionality. However, you should mention IP geolocation in your privacy policy and form disclosures.

Changelog

1.3

• Added improved entry notes with combined validation and merge tag information
• Enhanced caching mechanism with LRU implementation
• Added cache management interface in settings

1.2

• Added support for additional location fields (continent, latitude, longitude)
• Improved error handling and logging

1.1

• Added country validation feature
• Improved merge tag handling

1.0

• Initial release with basic location merge tags