The object ID is the unique identifier for a model record (or instance) in Applaud. It enables the platform to retrieve and display the correct property values when a user views a page linked to that record.
For example, when you export data from a model such as Directory, each row includes the object ID that identifies a specific person:
How object IDs work with list blocks
When you add a list block to a page, each model instance appears as a separate item. For example, a Directory list may display people in a grid view:
You can configure the list's primary action to open a new page—such as a profile page—when a user selects an item. Applaud automatically passes the selected instance's object ID to the target page, so it displays the correct property values.
In this example, selecting Amy Adams opens her profile page and uses her object ID to load the relevant data. You can see this ID in the URL:
How object IDs affect page model settings
Whether a page requires an object ID depends on how you configure blocks and filters:
When a page requires an object ID
If you:
- Add a list block with a filter that includes the object ID, or
- Use a model route that includes {id} (for example, /person/{id}/job), or
- Add a form block connected to a model instance
Then:
- Applaud sets the page model to match the block model.
- The page requires an object ID to display the correct data.
- You can only add other blocks using the same model or its related models (for example, /person or /person/{id}/some-relation).
When a page does not require an object ID
If you:
- Add a list block without using the object ID in a filter, and
- Use a model route that does not include {id} (for example, /person only)
Then:
- Applaud does not set the page model automatically.
- You can add blocks using any model.
Examples
New joiner onboarding page
You create a page that takes a person ID as the object ID. On this page, you would like to show other recent joiners without including the current person.
Set the list block conditions to:
- The start date is less than 7 days ago
- Person ID is not any of {{objectId}}
The second condition filters out the current new starter.
Knowledge article preview page
You'd like to display a list item preview of a specific knowledge article. In this case:
- The page uses an article ID as the object ID.
- You add a list of all knowledge articles, then filter it to:
- Article ID is any of {{objectId}}
This ensures the list only shows the article the page is about.
Summary: When object IDs are required
A page requires an object ID when it needs to display values for a specific model record. This typically applies when:
- The page opens from a list item using a dynamic route
- Filters or blocks are tied to a particular record
- You use form blocks to edit an instance
Understanding when and how object IDs are passed helps you build dynamic, user-specific experiences across pages.