Finding URL Parameters The Easy Way

[JeffreyThompson2]

Once upon a time, before URL parameters officially existed, I used the cheating powers of Developer Edition to build my own URL Parameters Widget. Having done so and not needing to use URL Parameters since, I largely ignored the official release. Good to know they're there, I'll learn how to use them if I need them. Yesterday, someone asked a question that I knew URL Parameters could handle, so I sent over the documentation page for how to build them and got ready to collect my easy internet point. But then they asked a follow-up question and I had to actually read the documentation. Not only is the official documentation very long and boring, it's actually impossible for a regular user to use  because it relies on knowing information that is not visible without using Developer Edition and/or knowing some developer tricks.

How was I going to get my internet point now? Luckily, I remembered a hack posted by someone on the Product Team. @AlixVezina? You can use the Share Widget to easily figure out URL Parameters for you! Here's how it goes:

1. Add a Share Widget.
2. Open up Preview Mode.
3. Get your map/data set up the way you want it.
4. Open the Share Widget.
5. Turn off Short Link and make sure Include URL Parameters are on.
6. Copy the URL and paste it into a file on your computer.
7. Delete "?draft=true" from the URL.
8. Repeat steps 3-7 until you have all the URLs you need.
9. If you don't want the Share Widget in your final project, you can delete it now.

One week ago, I asked put out a call for anyone to post their own tips saying I only had two tips left in me. Since then I have posted two tips, so bye. I'm done.

Just kidding. These tips were not the tips I was thinking of. Those are going to be very lengthy and maybe only useful to a very small group, which is why I have never got around to actually making them.  That list is now three tips long. I also just intruded on territory I explicitly asked for tips on. Sorry, if you were going to share this tip. Still want your help making more tips.