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Generating Google Maps API Keys for Formidable Geolocation

Last modified: December 5, 2025

Follow the steps below to create both the Browser API Key and the Server API Key required for integrating Google Maps with Formidable Geolocation. These keys enable essential features such as address autocomplete, map rendering, geocoding, directions, distance calculation, and other location-based tools inside your Formidable Forms.

Setting Up Google Maps API Keys

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console

2. Create a New Project or Select an Existing One

  • Click the Project Selector in the top navigation bar.
  • Choose an existing project or click New Project to create a new one.
  • Name your project and click Create.

3. Enable the Required Google Maps APIs

  • From the sidebar, go to APIs & Services → Library.
  • Search for and enable the following APIs:
    • Maps JavaScript API
    • Geocoding API
    • Places API (Legacy) - Enable here
    • Places API (New)
    • Directions API (Legacy) - Enable here
    • Routes API
    • Maps Static API
    • Geolocation API
  • Open each API and click Enable.

Important: Google is migrating from older “Legacy” API services to modern replacements like Places API (New) and the consolidated Routes API.

Formidable Geolocation is currently optimized for the legacy services, including the Places API (Legacy) and Directions API (Legacy). Until a full transition is supported, you must enable both the legacy and the new API versions to avoid disruptions.

Once Formidable Geolocation fully migrates to the new Google API services, these requirements will be simplified.

4. Create & Restrict Your Browser API Key

  • Navigate to APIs & Services → Credentials.
  • Click + Create Credentials → API Key.
  • Google will generate a new key, copy it for later use.
  • Click Restrict Key and apply the following:
    • Application Restrictions: Choose HTTP referrers (websites).
    • Add your website URL, for example:
      • https://example.com/*
      • https://staging.example.com/*
    • API Restrictions: Enable:
      • Maps JavaScript API
      • Places API (Legacy + New)
      • Geocoding API
  • Save your changes.

5. Create & Secure Your Server API Key

  • While still on the Credentials page, click + Create Credentials → API Key.
  • Your Server API Key will be generated, save it.
  • Click Restrict Key and configure:
    • Application Restrictions: Choose IP addresses.
    • Add your server’s IP address (your hosting provider can provide this).
  • Save your changes.

Final Notes

Correctly setting up your Google Maps API keys ensures Formidable Geolocation can provide accurate address autocomplete, mapping, geocoding, and distance/direction features.

If you encounter issues, verify:

  • All required APIs are enabled (both Legacy and New versions).
  • Browser and Server keys are entered in the Formidable Geolocation settings.
  • Your domain or server IP is correctly added under key restrictions.

For additional guidance, refer to the Google Maps API Documentation or the Formidable Geolocation help center.

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