Google Address Autocomplete

The Google Address Autocomplete element provides an input field that suggests and autocompletes street addresses as the user types, using the Google Places API. It helps ensure accurate address data entry.

In BetterForms, this is used to simplify address input and improve data quality by leveraging Google's address database.

Note: Using this element requires a properly configured Google Maps JavaScript API key with the Places API enabled for your project.

Common Configuration Properties

Property	Type	Description
type	String	Must be set to "googleAddress".
label	String	The label for the address input field.
model	String	The key in your BetterForms data model where the selected address (typically the formatted address string) will be stored.
placeholder	String	Placeholder text for the input field.
disabled	Boolean	If true, the input will be visible but not interactive. Defaults to false.
required	Boolean	If true, an address must be selected/entered. Defaults to false.
hint	String	Additional helper text.
styleClasses	String / Array	CSS classes for styling the wrapper.
options	Object	Options passed to the Google Places Autocomplete service (e.g., for country restrictions). See example.

options (Google Places Autocomplete options):

Option	Type	Description
componentRestrictions	Object	Restricts results to specific countries. E.g., { country: ['us', 'ca'] } for US and Canada.
types	Array	Types of predictions to return. E.g., ['address'] for full street addresses, or ['(cities)'] for cities. Defaults to ['address'].

Example Schema Snippet

{
  "type": "googleAddress",
  "label": "Street Address",
  "model": "userAddress",
  "placeholder": "Start typing your address...",
  "required": true,
  "options": {
    "componentRestrictions": { "country": "us" },
    "types": ["address"]
  }
}

BetterForms Specific Notes

• API Key: Ensure your Google Maps JavaScript API key is correctly loaded and configured in your BetterForms application for this component to function. This is typically set globally.

• The model usually stores the full formatted address string selected by the user. If you need individual address components (street, city, zip, etc.), you may need custom logic in BetterForms (e.g., in a hook script) to parse this information or use additional fields populated from the Places API result.

Full Property Reference

This element integrates the Google Places Autocomplete functionality. For a comprehensive list of all available options for the Google Places Autocomplete service and detailed technical specifications, please refer to:

• VFG googleAddress Field Documentation
• Google Places Autocomplete Options