Store and review form submissions

Submission storage creates a WordPress-side record that authorized users can review under Forms → Submissions. Enable it only when the workflow needs retrieval, follow-up, or an approved record.

Choose the global default

Open Settings → POM Theme → Forms → General:

1. Set Store submissions globally.
2. Set Default retention period (days).
3. Save the theme settings.

An empty global retention value means no automatic removal. Use indefinite retention only when an intentional policy covers review and deletion.

Override one form

1. Open the form.
2. Choose Storage/Advanced → Submission Storage.
3. Set Storage Override to:
   • Use Global Setting
   • Enable Storage (Override)
   • Disable Storage (Override)
4. Review the displayed Effective Status.
5. When required, enable Override Retention Period and enter Retention Period (days).
6. Save the form.

A per-form retention value of 0 keeps submissions indefinitely.

Review stored entries

1. Open Forms → Submissions.
2. Filter by the form when needed.
3. Open a submission to review its submitted values, files, and processing events.
4. Follow the site’s approved response, export, or deletion process.

The Submissions link beside a form appears when storage is effective. Deleting a form preserves its stored submissions, so the submissions screen remains the place to manage those records.

Understand what retention covers

Automatic retention applies to the stored POM Forms record and its retained local files. It does not remove copies already delivered to:

• Email recipient mailboxes
• Google Drive
• A webhook receiver
• A created WordPress post
• An external action endpoint

Document each destination separately in the site’s data-handling policy.

Verify the policy

Submit a non-sensitive test and confirm it appears only when storage is effective. Check the visible retention status and any local file download with an authorized account.

If a submission count shows a dash on Forms → All Forms, storage is disabled for that form. If local uploads are required, enable storage and Store Uploaded Files before retesting.

For the broader workflow, see Notifications, submissions, and retention.