zFairs Contest Management - User contributions [en]

Participant

2026-10-28T00:05:16Z

Anna: /* To Create an Account */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* '''Single Account Policy:''' Do not create multiple accounts for the same participant. Creating duplicate accounts creates confusion for event staff and can delay assistance.
* '''Information Updates:''' If you make a mistake during registration, don't worry. Your teacher, fair coordinator, or staff member can help you make corrections until the profile freeze date.
* '''Save Progress:''' Once started, you can exit and return later to finish. Your saved information will remain in place.
* '''Login Help:''' If you forget your username or password, use the '''Login Help''' link on the login screen, or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft single sign-on.

== Getting Started ==
You will need to create a new account for each annual event you enter. Once your account is created, log in with your credentials to complete your project and entry details.

Registration procedures vary based on how your event director configured the site setup. Below are the possible registration workflows—simply follow the instructions that match what you see on your screen.

'''''Note:''' If your project was selected to advance to a higher-level event already hosted on zFairs, you do not need to create a new account. Log in using your existing credentials and follow the prompts to update your entry information.''

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* You DO NOT need to recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Using the Google/Facebook/Windows sign in will allow you to send a new email verification link or will take you to the Profile Page.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found '''[[NHD Student|HERE]]'''.

For all other participants, here is the standard registration workflow for K–12 competitions. While the specific fields may vary based on your event's setup, the overall process remains the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click to enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews, log in and click on '''Virtual Contest''' to view your interview times in chronological order.

When it is time for your interview:
# Log in to your account.
# Click the '''Virtual Contest''' menu option.
# Click the blue '''Enter Virtual Judging / Interview''' button.
# Complete your interview.
# Click the red '''Leave''' or '''Hang Up''' button to exit when finished.

''Tip: Test your video and audio connections in advance by logging in on two different devices to ensure your local network does not block video feeds on fair day.''

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-28T00:04:01Z

Anna: /* To Create an Account */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* '''Single Account Policy:''' Do not create multiple accounts for the same participant. Creating duplicate accounts creates confusion for event staff and can delay assistance.
* '''Information Updates:''' If you make a mistake during registration, don't worry. Your teacher, fair coordinator, or staff member can help you make corrections until the profile freeze date.
* '''Save Progress:''' Once started, you can exit and return later to finish. Your saved information will remain in place.
* '''Login Help:''' If you forget your username or password, use the '''Login Help''' link on the login screen, or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft single sign-on.

== Getting Started ==
You will need to create a new account for each annual event you enter. Once your account is created, log in with your credentials to complete your project and entry details.

Registration procedures vary based on how your event director configured the site setup. Below are the possible registration workflows—simply follow the instructions that match what you see on your screen.

'''''Note:''' If your project was selected to advance to a higher-level event already hosted on zFairs, you do not need to create a new account. Log in using your existing credentials and follow the prompts to update your entry information.''

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* You DO NOT need to recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Using the Google/Facebook/Windows sign in will allow you to send a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found '''[[NHD Student|HERE]]'''.

For all other participants, here is the standard registration workflow for K–12 competitions. While the specific fields may vary based on your event's setup, the overall process remains the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click to enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews, log in and click on '''Virtual Contest''' to view your interview times in chronological order.

When it is time for your interview:
# Log in to your account.
# Click the '''Virtual Contest''' menu option.
# Click the blue '''Enter Virtual Judging / Interview''' button.
# Complete your interview.
# Click the red '''Leave''' or '''Hang Up''' button to exit when finished.

''Tip: Test your video and audio connections in advance by logging in on two different devices to ensure your local network does not block video feeds on fair day.''

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T18:42:31Z

Anna: /* Entry Pages */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* '''Single Account Policy:''' Do not create multiple accounts for the same participant. Creating duplicate accounts creates confusion for event staff and can delay assistance.
* '''Information Updates:''' If you make a mistake during registration, don't worry. Your teacher, fair coordinator, or staff member can help you make corrections until the profile freeze date.
* '''Save Progress:''' Once started, you can exit and return later to finish. Your saved information will remain in place.
* '''Login Help:''' If you forget your username or password, use the '''Login Help''' link on the login screen, or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft single sign-on.

== Getting Started ==
You will need to create a new account for each annual event you enter. Once your account is created, log in with your credentials to complete your project and entry details.

Registration procedures vary based on how your event director configured the site setup. Below are the possible registration workflows—simply follow the instructions that match what you see on your screen.

'''''Note:''' If your project was selected to advance to a higher-level event already hosted on zFairs, you do not need to create a new account. Log in using your existing credentials and follow the prompts to update your entry information.''

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found '''[[NHD Student|HERE]]'''.

For all other participants, here is the standard registration workflow for K–12 competitions. While the specific fields may vary based on your event's setup, the overall process remains the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click to enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews, log in and click on '''Virtual Contest''' to view your interview times in chronological order.

When it is time for your interview:
# Log in to your account.
# Click the '''Virtual Contest''' menu option.
# Click the blue '''Enter Virtual Judging / Interview''' button.
# Complete your interview.
# Click the red '''Leave''' or '''Hang Up''' button to exit when finished.

''Tip: Test your video and audio connections in advance by logging in on two different devices to ensure your local network does not block video feeds on fair day.''

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T18:35:52Z

Anna:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* '''Single Account Policy:''' Do not create multiple accounts for the same participant. Creating duplicate accounts creates confusion for event staff and can delay assistance.
* '''Information Updates:''' If you make a mistake during registration, don't worry. Your teacher, fair coordinator, or staff member can help you make corrections until the profile freeze date.
* '''Save Progress:''' Once started, you can exit and return later to finish. Your saved information will remain in place.
* '''Login Help:''' If you forget your username or password, use the '''Login Help''' link on the login screen, or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft single sign-on.

== Getting Started ==
You will need to create a new account for each annual event you enter. Once your account is created, log in with your credentials to complete your project and entry details.

Registration procedures vary based on how your event director configured the site setup. Below are the possible registration workflows—simply follow the instructions that match what you see on your screen.

'''''Note:''' If your project was selected to advance to a higher-level event already hosted on zFairs, you do not need to create a new account. Log in using your existing credentials and follow the prompts to update your entry information.''

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found '''[[NHD Student|HERE]]'''.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click to enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews, log in and click on '''Virtual Contest''' to view your interview times in chronological order.

When it is time for your interview:
# Log in to your account.
# Click the '''Virtual Contest''' menu option.
# Click the blue '''Enter Virtual Judging / Interview''' button.
# Complete your interview.
# Click the red '''Leave''' or '''Hang Up''' button to exit when finished.

''Tip: Test your video and audio connections in advance by logging in on two different devices to ensure your local network does not block video feeds on fair day.''

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T18:35:11Z

Anna: /* Scheduled Interviews */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* '''Single Account Policy:''' Do not create multiple accounts for the same participant. Creating duplicate accounts creates confusion for event staff and can delay assistance.
* '''Information Updates:''' If you make a mistake during registration, don't worry. Your teacher, fair coordinator, or staff member can help you make corrections until the profile freeze date.
* '''Save Progress:''' Once started, you can exit and return later to finish. Your saved information will remain in place.
* '''Login Help:''' If you forget your username or password, use the '''Login Help''' link on the login screen, or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft single sign-on.

== Getting Started ==
You will need to create a new account for each annual event you enter. Once your account is created, log in with your credentials to complete your project and entry details.

Registration procedures vary based on how your event director configured the site setup. Below are the possible registration workflows—simply follow the instructions that match what you see on your screen.

'''''Note:''' If your project was selected to advance to a higher-level event already hosted on zFairs, you do not need to create a new account. Log in using your existing credentials and follow the prompts to update your entry information.''

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found '''[[NHD Student|HERE]]'''.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click to enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
=== Scheduled Interviews ===
If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews, log in and click on '''Virtual Contest''' to view your interview times in chronological order.

When it is time for your interview:
# Log in to your account.
# Click the '''Virtual Contest''' menu option.
# Click the blue '''Enter Virtual Judging / Interview''' button.
# Complete your interview.
# Click the red '''Leave''' or '''Hang Up''' button to exit when finished.

''Tip: Test your video and audio connections in advance by logging in on two different devices to ensure your local network does not block video feeds on fair day.''

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T18:33:28Z

Anna: /* Peer Review */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* '''Single Account Policy:''' Do not create multiple accounts for the same participant. Creating duplicate accounts creates confusion for event staff and can delay assistance.
* '''Information Updates:''' If you make a mistake during registration, don't worry. Your teacher, fair coordinator, or staff member can help you make corrections until the profile freeze date.
* '''Save Progress:''' Once started, you can exit and return later to finish. Your saved information will remain in place.
* '''Login Help:''' If you forget your username or password, use the '''Login Help''' link on the login screen, or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft single sign-on.

== Getting Started ==
You will need to create a new account for each annual event you enter. Once your account is created, log in with your credentials to complete your project and entry details.

Registration procedures vary based on how your event director configured the site setup. Below are the possible registration workflows—simply follow the instructions that match what you see on your screen.

'''''Note:''' If your project was selected to advance to a higher-level event already hosted on zFairs, you do not need to create a new account. Log in using your existing credentials and follow the prompts to update your entry information.''

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found '''[[NHD Student|HERE]]'''.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click to enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T18:32:05Z

Anna: /* Entry Pages */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* '''Single Account Policy:''' Do not create multiple accounts for the same participant. Creating duplicate accounts creates confusion for event staff and can delay assistance.
* '''Information Updates:''' If you make a mistake during registration, don't worry. Your teacher, fair coordinator, or staff member can help you make corrections until the profile freeze date.
* '''Save Progress:''' Once started, you can exit and return later to finish. Your saved information will remain in place.
* '''Login Help:''' If you forget your username or password, use the '''Login Help''' link on the login screen, or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft single sign-on.

== Getting Started ==
You will need to create a new account for each annual event you enter. Once your account is created, log in with your credentials to complete your project and entry details.

Registration procedures vary based on how your event director configured the site setup. Below are the possible registration workflows—simply follow the instructions that match what you see on your screen.

'''''Note:''' If your project was selected to advance to a higher-level event already hosted on zFairs, you do not need to create a new account. Log in using your existing credentials and follow the prompts to update your entry information.''

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found '''[[NHD Student|HERE]]'''.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click too enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T18:30:08Z

Anna: /* Getting Started */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* '''Single Account Policy:''' Do not create multiple accounts for the same participant. Creating duplicate accounts creates confusion for event staff and can delay assistance.
* '''Information Updates:''' If you make a mistake during registration, don't worry. Your teacher, fair coordinator, or staff member can help you make corrections until the profile freeze date.
* '''Save Progress:''' Once started, you can exit and return later to finish. Your saved information will remain in place.
* '''Login Help:''' If you forget your username or password, use the '''Login Help''' link on the login screen, or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft single sign-on.

== Getting Started ==
You will need to create a new account for each annual event you enter. Once your account is created, log in with your credentials to complete your project and entry details.

Registration procedures vary based on how your event director configured the site setup. Below are the possible registration workflows—simply follow the instructions that match what you see on your screen.

'''''Note:''' If your project was selected to advance to a higher-level event already hosted on zFairs, you do not need to create a new account. Log in using your existing credentials and follow the prompts to update your entry information.''

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found HERE.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click too enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T18:25:20Z

Anna: /* Tips */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* '''Single Account Policy:''' Do not create multiple accounts for the same participant. Creating duplicate accounts creates confusion for event staff and can delay assistance.
* '''Information Updates:''' If you make a mistake during registration, don't worry. Your teacher, fair coordinator, or staff member can help you make corrections until the profile freeze date.
* '''Save Progress:''' Once started, you can exit and return later to finish. Your saved information will remain in place.
* '''Login Help:''' If you forget your username or password, use the '''Login Help''' link on the login screen, or sign in using Google, Facebook, or Microsoft single sign-on.

== Getting Started ==
Every participant will create a new account every year they enter into their event. After an account is created, then you can log in with your credentials to finish entering your project/entry information.

There are a few different approaches to register on your event, and depending on how your event director sets up your registrations depends on what you will see. We will show you all options, so follow which direction you see for your event.

;NOTE: If your project was selected to advance to the next level event, you do not need to create another account in zFairs. You can log in with your same credentials and follow any prompts to fill out any missing information.

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found HERE.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click too enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Frequently Asked Questions

2026-10-27T17:59:51Z

Anna: /* Access Control & Publishing */

== Account Management & Setup ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you prevent duplicate accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
To prevent users from creating multiple accounts, we do a check and make sure that their name and email don't already exist in our system. If we already have their name and email in our system, then we force them to log in, thus preventing them from creating a duplicate account.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you recover your forgotten Password or Username?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on recovering your password see: [[Change_Password#How_to_Reset_My_Password_When_I_have_Forgotten_My_Password:|Recovering Password]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I update my profile information?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on updating your profile see: [[Update_Profile|Update your Profile]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who can delete accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
* '''Admins:''' Can delete Admin, Staff, Teacher, Volunteer, and Student accounts.
* '''Staff:''' Can delete Staff, Teacher, Volunteer, and Student accounts.
* '''Teachers:''' Can delete student accounts assigned to them.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How should administrators test fair setup and registration workflows?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
As part of the setup process, we recommend registering fake test accounts for students, judges, and teachers so you can preview the process, adjust your workflow, and ensure you gather all required information.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I set up user access permissions and custom roles for my staff?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This is easily managed through the platform. Have your staff members register under standard roles (Volunteer, Teacher, Judge), and then an Administrator can promote them to higher access levels (Staff, Admin) from the user management screen.
</div>
</div>

== Paperwork, Forms & Approvals ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who can approve student paperwork / ISEF Forms?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Teachers can view their students' forms, but only Staff and Admin users can approve paperwork. To restrict approval authority strictly to Admin/Staff users, turn on the setting '''"Only Allow staff members to approve paperwork"''' under '''Staff Tools > Fair Setup > Settings'''.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who is required to sign the media release?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Media release requests are sent directly to your contest participants (students).
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">We combine the media release with the Hold Harmless release; should I break them out?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
That is up to your organization. The system tracks them as a single document, so ensure your release text clearly encompasses both agreements.
</div>
</div>

== Contest Operations & Customization ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can we add custom questions to registration forms?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Custom questions can be added to any registration form (Judges, Students, Teachers) to collect specific details needed to manage participants or place judges with the right student.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you set or update the contact person on the "Contact Us" page?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Navigate to '''Staff Menu > Fair/Contest Setup > General > Update Contact Info''', update the details, and click '''Save'''.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Where does the pre-populated school database come from?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Pre-populated school lists (such as Massachusetts schools) include both public and private institutions sourced from government databases. Note that external database records may occasionally require manual updates.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">What is the difference between Project Plan and Project Description?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
* '''Project/Entry Plan:''' Serves as the research plan where participants outline their overall project scope.
* '''Project/Entry Description:''' Provides a general overview of the project, distinct from the separate Abstract entry field.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Should teachers enter a home or school address?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This is completely up to the teacher and the registration instructions provided by your fair organizers.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Why do some projects no longer have a category code?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This typically occurs if an administrator deletes a category code that active projects were assigned to. Reassigning those projects to an active category code will resolve the issue.
</div>
</div>

== Judging & Evaluation ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">What is Virtual Judging and how does it work?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Virtual Judging builds on top of online judging by connecting judges and students in a integrated video conference for remote interviews. During the interview, judges have side-by-side access to electronic scorecards, project descriptions, shared files, images, and student responses.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How can I track which judges are currently active or checked in?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Run the '''"Judge's Details - Active"''' report under '''Staff Tools > Reports'''. This report specifically filters for judges who have recently registered or logged into their accounts.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can judges modify their scores after entering them?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Judges can review their scorecards and alter individual subcategory marks or overall final scores until judging is officially closed by administrators.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do staff members review and release judge feedback?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Judge feedback is sent to a central queue where staff members can review and edit comments. Once approved, feedback can be emailed to students, with optional copies sent to teachers or parents.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can raw score data be downloaded for custom score normalization?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. You can export complete score data per judge and project to run through your own external normalization software if you prefer not to use built-in algorithms.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Are judge orientation and training tutorials provided?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Video tutorials and site documentation are available to guide judges. Fair organizers can adapt these materials to fit their specific event procedures and schedules.
</div>
</div>

== Access Control & Publishing ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can teachers see student scores or judge comments during judging?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
No. Teachers do not have access to scorecards or feedback unless staff explicitly releases and emails the results to them.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">When are award results published on the site?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Award results remain private until an administrator sets an official publication date and time on the platform.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can the Showcase be enabled or disabled at will?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Administrators can turn the Showcase on or off at any time, or set restrictions for who can view the Showcase.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can we lock student submissions after a specific deadline?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Admins can establish a cutoff date after which students can no longer edit their profiles or project entries.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Is there a way to hide the schedule temporarily?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Currently, the system does not support temporarily hiding the event schedule.
</div>
</div>

== Billing & Technical Support ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Do we need separate packages for Junior (7–8) and Senior (9–12) divisions?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
zFairs can handle multiple divisions and judging dates for events. However, some events prefer to separate these into different accounts. Please set an appointment with us so we can walk you through whatever process you choose.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Why does the "Your license has expired" banner appear?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This banner displays if your event license term has ended or if your initial renewal payment is pending processing.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Is live phone support provided on the day of the fair?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Dedicated live phone support on fair day is included with your subscription. Please provide us with your event dates and times in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Standard support hours are 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, M-F (across US time zones). Outside of these hours, support is provided on an on-call basis. If you are unable to reach someone immediately, please leave a detailed voicemail and we will return your call as soon possible.
</div>
</div>

Frequently Asked Questions

2026-10-27T17:56:34Z

Anna: /* Billing & Technical Support */

== Account Management & Setup ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you prevent duplicate accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
To prevent users from creating multiple accounts, we do a check and make sure that their name and email don't already exist in our system. If we already have their name and email in our system, then we force them to log in, thus preventing them from creating a duplicate account.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you recover your forgotten Password or Username?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on recovering your password see: [[Change_Password#How_to_Reset_My_Password_When_I_have_Forgotten_My_Password:|Recovering Password]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I update my profile information?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on updating your profile see: [[Update_Profile|Update your Profile]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who can delete accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
* '''Admins:''' Can delete Admin, Staff, Teacher, Volunteer, and Student accounts.
* '''Staff:''' Can delete Staff, Teacher, Volunteer, and Student accounts.
* '''Teachers:''' Can delete student accounts assigned to them.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How should administrators test fair setup and registration workflows?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
As part of the setup process, we recommend registering fake test accounts for students, judges, and teachers so you can preview the process, adjust your workflow, and ensure you gather all required information.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I set up user access permissions and custom roles for my staff?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This is easily managed through the platform. Have your staff members register under standard roles (Volunteer, Teacher, Judge), and then an Administrator can promote them to higher access levels (Staff, Admin) from the user management screen.
</div>
</div>

== Paperwork, Forms & Approvals ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who can approve student paperwork / ISEF Forms?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Teachers can view their students' forms, but only Staff and Admin users can approve paperwork. To restrict approval authority strictly to Admin/Staff users, turn on the setting '''"Only Allow staff members to approve paperwork"''' under '''Staff Tools > Fair Setup > Settings'''.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who is required to sign the media release?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Media release requests are sent directly to your contest participants (students).
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">We combine the media release with the Hold Harmless release; should I break them out?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
That is up to your organization. The system tracks them as a single document, so ensure your release text clearly encompasses both agreements.
</div>
</div>

== Contest Operations & Customization ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can we add custom questions to registration forms?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Custom questions can be added to any registration form (Judges, Students, Teachers) to collect specific details needed to manage participants or place judges with the right student.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you set or update the contact person on the "Contact Us" page?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Navigate to '''Staff Menu > Fair/Contest Setup > General > Update Contact Info''', update the details, and click '''Save'''.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Where does the pre-populated school database come from?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Pre-populated school lists (such as Massachusetts schools) include both public and private institutions sourced from government databases. Note that external database records may occasionally require manual updates.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">What is the difference between Project Plan and Project Description?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
* '''Project/Entry Plan:''' Serves as the research plan where participants outline their overall project scope.
* '''Project/Entry Description:''' Provides a general overview of the project, distinct from the separate Abstract entry field.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Should teachers enter a home or school address?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This is completely up to the teacher and the registration instructions provided by your fair organizers.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Why do some projects no longer have a category code?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This typically occurs if an administrator deletes a category code that active projects were assigned to. Reassigning those projects to an active category code will resolve the issue.
</div>
</div>

== Judging & Evaluation ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">What is Virtual Judging and how does it work?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Virtual Judging builds on top of online judging by connecting judges and students in a integrated video conference for remote interviews. During the interview, judges have side-by-side access to electronic scorecards, project descriptions, shared files, images, and student responses.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How can I track which judges are currently active or checked in?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Run the '''"Judge's Details - Active"''' report under '''Staff Tools > Reports'''. This report specifically filters for judges who have recently registered or logged into their accounts.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can judges modify their scores after entering them?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Judges can review their scorecards and alter individual subcategory marks or overall final scores until judging is officially closed by administrators.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do staff members review and release judge feedback?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Judge feedback is sent to a central queue where staff members can review and edit comments. Once approved, feedback can be emailed to students, with optional copies sent to teachers or parents.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can raw score data be downloaded for custom score normalization?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. You can export complete score data per judge and project to run through your own external normalization software if you prefer not to use built-in algorithms.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Are judge orientation and training tutorials provided?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Video tutorials and site documentation are available to guide judges. Fair organizers can adapt these materials to fit their specific event procedures and schedules.
</div>
</div>

== Access Control & Publishing ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can teachers see student scores or judge comments during judging?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
No. Teachers do not have access to scorecards or feedback unless staff explicitly releases and emails the results to them.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">When are award results published on the site?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Award results remain private until an administrator sets an official publication date and time on the platform.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can the Virtual Showcase be enabled or disabled at will?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Administrators can turn the Virtual Showcase on or off at any time.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can we lock student submissions after a specific deadline?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Admins can establish a cutoff date after which students can no longer edit their profiles or project entries.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Is there a way to hide the schedule temporarily?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Currently, the system does not support temporarily hiding the event schedule.
</div>
</div>

== Billing & Technical Support ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Do we need separate packages for Junior (7–8) and Senior (9–12) divisions?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
zFairs can handle multiple divisions and judging dates for events. However, some events prefer to separate these into different accounts. Please set an appointment with us so we can walk you through whatever process you choose.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Why does the "Your license has expired" banner appear?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This banner displays if your event license term has ended or if your initial renewal payment is pending processing.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Is live phone support provided on the day of the fair?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Dedicated live phone support on fair day is included with your subscription. Please provide us with your event dates and times in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Standard support hours are 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, M-F (across US time zones). Outside of these hours, support is provided on an on-call basis. If you are unable to reach someone immediately, please leave a detailed voicemail and we will return your call as soon possible.
</div>
</div>

Frequently Asked Questions

2026-10-27T17:46:31Z

Anna:

== Account Management & Setup ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you prevent duplicate accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
To prevent users from creating multiple accounts, we do a check and make sure that their name and email don't already exist in our system. If we already have their name and email in our system, then we force them to log in, thus preventing them from creating a duplicate account.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you recover your forgotten Password or Username?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on recovering your password see: [[Change_Password#How_to_Reset_My_Password_When_I_have_Forgotten_My_Password:|Recovering Password]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I update my profile information?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on updating your profile see: [[Update_Profile|Update your Profile]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who can delete accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
* '''Admins:''' Can delete Admin, Staff, Teacher, Volunteer, and Student accounts.
* '''Staff:''' Can delete Staff, Teacher, Volunteer, and Student accounts.
* '''Teachers:''' Can delete student accounts assigned to them.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How should administrators test fair setup and registration workflows?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
As part of the setup process, we recommend registering fake test accounts for students, judges, and teachers so you can preview the process, adjust your workflow, and ensure you gather all required information.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I set up user access permissions and custom roles for my staff?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This is easily managed through the platform. Have your staff members register under standard roles (Volunteer, Teacher, Judge), and then an Administrator can promote them to higher access levels (Staff, Admin) from the user management screen.
</div>
</div>

== Paperwork, Forms & Approvals ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who can approve student paperwork / ISEF Forms?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Teachers can view their students' forms, but only Staff and Admin users can approve paperwork. To restrict approval authority strictly to Admin/Staff users, turn on the setting '''"Only Allow staff members to approve paperwork"''' under '''Staff Tools > Fair Setup > Settings'''.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who is required to sign the media release?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Media release requests are sent directly to your contest participants (students).
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">We combine the media release with the Hold Harmless release; should I break them out?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
That is up to your organization. The system tracks them as a single document, so ensure your release text clearly encompasses both agreements.
</div>
</div>

== Contest Operations & Customization ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can we add custom questions to registration forms?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Custom questions can be added to any registration form (Judges, Students, Teachers) to collect specific details needed to manage participants or place judges with the right student.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you set or update the contact person on the "Contact Us" page?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Navigate to '''Staff Menu > Fair/Contest Setup > General > Update Contact Info''', update the details, and click '''Save'''.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Where does the pre-populated school database come from?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Pre-populated school lists (such as Massachusetts schools) include both public and private institutions sourced from government databases. Note that external database records may occasionally require manual updates.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">What is the difference between Project Plan and Project Description?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
* '''Project/Entry Plan:''' Serves as the research plan where participants outline their overall project scope.
* '''Project/Entry Description:''' Provides a general overview of the project, distinct from the separate Abstract entry field.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Should teachers enter a home or school address?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This is completely up to the teacher and the registration instructions provided by your fair organizers.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Why do some projects no longer have a category code?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This typically occurs if an administrator deletes a category code that active projects were assigned to. Reassigning those projects to an active category code will resolve the issue.
</div>
</div>

== Judging & Evaluation ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">What is Virtual Judging and how does it work?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Virtual Judging builds on top of online judging by connecting judges and students in a integrated video conference for remote interviews. During the interview, judges have side-by-side access to electronic scorecards, project descriptions, shared files, images, and student responses.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How can I track which judges are currently active or checked in?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Run the '''"Judge's Details - Active"''' report under '''Staff Tools > Reports'''. This report specifically filters for judges who have recently registered or logged into their accounts.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can judges modify their scores after entering them?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Judges can review their scorecards and alter individual subcategory marks or overall final scores until judging is officially closed by administrators.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do staff members review and release judge feedback?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Judge feedback is sent to a central queue where staff members can review and edit comments. Once approved, feedback can be emailed to students, with optional copies sent to teachers or parents.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can raw score data be downloaded for custom score normalization?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. You can export complete score data per judge and project to run through your own external normalization software if you prefer not to use built-in algorithms.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Are judge orientation and training tutorials provided?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Video tutorials and site documentation are available to guide judges. Fair organizers can adapt these materials to fit their specific event procedures and schedules.
</div>
</div>

== Access Control & Publishing ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can teachers see student scores or judge comments during judging?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
No. Teachers do not have access to scorecards or feedback unless staff explicitly releases and emails the results to them.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">When are award results published on the site?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Award results remain private until an administrator sets an official publication date and time on the platform.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can the Virtual Showcase be enabled or disabled at will?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Administrators can turn the Virtual Showcase on or off at any time.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can we lock student submissions after a specific deadline?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Admins can establish a cutoff date after which students can no longer edit their profiles or project entries.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Is there a way to hide the schedule temporarily?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Currently, the system does not support temporarily hiding the event schedule.
</div>
</div>

== Billing & Technical Support ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Do we need separate packages for Junior (7–8) and Senior (9–12) divisions?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
If both divisions are managed by the same organizers and held on the same dates, only a single license package is required.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Why does the "Your license has expired" banner appear?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This banner displays if your event license term has ended or if your initial renewal payment is pending processing.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Is live phone support provided on the day of the fair?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Dedicated live phone support on fair day is included with the '''Ultimate Package'''. Routine issues (such as judge sign-in help) can be managed directly by fair staff.
</div>
</div>

Frequently Asked Questions

2026-10-27T17:44:23Z

Anna:

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you prevent duplicate accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
To prevent users from creating multiple accounts, we do a check and make sure that their name and email don't already exist in our system. If we already have their name and email in our system, then we force them to login, thus preventing them from creating a duplicate account.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you recover your forgotten Password Or Username?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on recovering your password see: [[Change_Password#How_to_Reset_My_Password_When_I_have_Forgotten_My_Password:|Recovering Password]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I update my profile information?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on updating your profile see: [[Update_Profile|Update your Profile]]
</div>
</div>

== Frequently Asked Questions for Admin Users: ==

== Account Management & Setup ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you prevent duplicate accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
To prevent users from creating multiple accounts, we do a check and make sure that their name and email don't already exist in our system. If we already have their name and email in our system, then we force them to log in, thus preventing them from creating a duplicate account.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you recover your forgotten Password or Username?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on recovering your password see: [[Change_Password#How_to_Reset_My_Password_When_I_have_Forgotten_My_Password:|Recovering Password]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I update my profile information?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on updating your profile see: [[Update_Profile|Update your Profile]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who can delete accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
* '''Admins:''' Can delete Admin, Staff, Teacher, Volunteer, and Student accounts.
* '''Staff:''' Can delete Staff, Teacher, Volunteer, and Student accounts.
* '''Teachers:''' Can delete student accounts assigned to them.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How should administrators test fair setup and registration workflows?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
As part of the setup process, we recommend registering fake test accounts for students, judges, and teachers so you can preview the process, adjust your workflow, and ensure you gather all required information.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I set up user access permissions and custom roles for my staff?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
This is easily managed through the platform. Have your staff members register under standard roles (Volunteer, Teacher, Judge), and then an Administrator can promote them to higher access levels (Staff, Admin) from the user management screen.
</div>
</div>

== Paperwork, Forms & Approvals ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who can approve student paperwork / ISEF Forms?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Teachers can view their students' forms, but only Staff and Admin users can approve paperwork. To restrict approval authority strictly to Admin/Staff users, turn on the setting '''"Only Allow staff members to approve paperwork"''' under '''Staff Tools > Fair Setup > Settings'''.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Who is required to sign the media release?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Media release requests are sent directly to your contest participants (students).
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">We combine the media release with the Hold Harmless release; should I break them out?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
That is up to your organization. The system tracks them as a single document, so ensure your release text clearly encompasses both agreements.
</div>
</div>

== Contest Operations & Customization ==

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Can we add custom questions to registration forms?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Yes. Custom questions can be added to any registration form (Judges, Students, Teachers) to collect specific details needed to manage participants or place judges with the right student.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you set or update the contact person on the "Contact Us" page?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Navigate to '''Staff Menu > Fair/Contest Setup > General > Update Contact Info''', update the details, and click '''Save'''.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Where does the pre-populated school database come from?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
Pre-populated school lists (such as Massachusetts schools) include both public and private institutions sourced from government databases. Note that external database records may occasionally require manual updates.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">What is the difference between Project Plan and Project Description?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
* '''Project/Entry Plan:''' Serves as the research plan where participants outline their overall project scope.
* '''Project/Entry Description:''' Provides a general overview of the project, distinct from the separate Abstract entry field.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">Should

Frequently Asked Questions

2026-10-27T17:43:44Z

Anna:

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you prevent duplicate accounts?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
To prevent users from creating multiple accounts, we do a check and make sure that their name and email don't already exist in our system. If we already have their name and email in our system, then we force them to login, thus preventing them from creating a duplicate account.
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do you recover your forgotten Password Or Username?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on recovering your password see: [[Change_Password#How_to_Reset_My_Password_When_I_have_Forgotten_My_Password:|Recovering Password]]
</div>
</div>

<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 8px; background-color: #f9f9fb; border-radius: 4px;">
<div style="font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer;">How do I update my profile information?</div>
<div class="mw-collapsible-content" style="margin-top: 8px;">
For information on updating your profile see: [[Update_Profile|Update your Profile]]
</div>
</div>

== Frequently Asked Questions for Admin Users: ==

'''Who can delete accounts?'''
:Only Admin users can delete other admin users. Admin and Staff users can delete teacher, volunteer and staff accounts. Student/participant user accounts can be deleted by a staff or admin user or by the student's teacher.

'''Who can approve student paperwork/ISEF Forms?'''
:Teachers can view their student's forms, however, only staff and admin users can approve paperwork/forms. There is a setting titled, "Only Allow staff members to approve paperwork". When this setting is turned on, only admin users can approve student paperwork/ISEF Forms. To turn this setting on/off, please go to "Staff Tools", "Fair Setup" and "Settings".

'''How do I know which judges are planning on judging at our current fair?'''
:There is a report entitled "Judge's Details - Active" which only lists the judges who have recently registered or accessed their account. To access this report, go to "Staff Tools", "Reports" and click on the "Judge's Details - Active" report.

'''It keeps showing a banner at the bottom that says “your license has expired”'''
:This is like the case when your license has expired and you are needing to renew or your first payment has not been processed.

'''What is Project/Entry’s plan? Is this the research plan?'''
:It is a play where participants can provide an overview of their project plan; yes, this is also referenced as research plan.

'''What is Project/Entry’s description? Is this the abstract?'''
:It is a place where participants can provide a description of their project. There is another option for abstract.

'''Who is required to sign the media release?'''
:Your contest participants (students) are the owns we send the media release too.

'''We combine the media release with the Hold harmless release, should I break them out?'''
:That is up to you, the system can only track it as one or the other, just remember that your text from your media release or hold harmless may apply to both.

'''Is there any way to hide the schedule temporarily?'''
:Currently there is not.

'''Is the teacher address home or school address?'''
:That is completely up to the teacher, and the instructions you provide.

'''Where did the list of MA schools come from? Are they public schools only?'''
:This is a list of schools private and public; this list comes from a government database and may not be up to date.

'''What is Virtual Judging'''
:Virtual judging is built on top of our online judging. Virtual judging is where we connect judges and participants (students) in a web conference. Our virtual judging allows you to have face to face interviews while being remote. We handle all of the hassle of connecting judges and participants. During our virtual judging judges have access to their score sheet and project information, including shared files, images, responses, and more.

'''Can we create custom wording and put anything we want into the judges’ registration form? We have some very specific things we ask them in order to place them with the right student.'''
:Yes, for all registration types we have custom questions that allow you to ask anything you want.

'''We always have a judges’ orientation right before the fair. Is it possible to have 115 or fewer judges in a room with Alison Ament talking in real time about what they are about to do? (Judges always have some questions.)
'''

'''We are all very excited about having the ability to see which judges have checked in or not, having the ability to see who is with a judge or not so there won’t be any interruptions, as well as showing the priority list so judges go to the top of the list and pick the student who has had the least judges so far.
'''

'''Just to confirm, judges can look at all of their score cards at the end of their judging and they can change scores in order to rank them properly.'''
:Yes, judges can see their scorecards, and even make changes until judging is closed.

'''If a judge does not want to go back and look at subcategories, can he or she simply change the final score? Or is the final score determined by the subcategories and cannot be changed by a judge?
'''

'''If we simply had subcategories that gave weight to each category, could the judge enter their final score as the only piece of input to the program?'''

'''I assume that you have directions/instructions/tutorials on how to navigate the site? Or, do we have to create the directions for our judges ourselves?'''
: We have a video and some documentation on how to use the site and what judges will need to do. It may be wise to adapt this to the needs and flow of your contest.

'''Would it be possible for someone to become a test student and test out his or her ability to register and test out my ability to see things?'''
:Yes, as part of the set up process, we recommend you register fake accounts for students, judges, and teachers so you can understand the process and adjust it to how you need it to flow and what information you need to gather.

'''How do the judges’ comments come to us to edit? Do teachers simply go online and can they sort by teacher name or at least by grade?'''
:Judges feedback can be viewed and edited by a staff member, they are given a list of feedback that needs to be reviewed so that they don't have to keep track of where they are. Once you are ready feedback can be email out to student and you can choose to copy teachers and parents.

'''Do you have a questionnaire or a rep who asks me who gets access to what in this program and what to put in each custom portion (judge and student registration, instructions for scoring, etc.)? Or is this something I do as an administrator of the fair just walking through the site?
'''
:This is something you will easily be able to manage, you can have your staff register as volunteers, teachers, or judges and then you can promote them to the different roles. (Staff, Judge, Teacher, Volunteer)

'''Our fair is broken into two parallel parts. One part is grades 7 and 8 and one part is grades 9 through 12. So we have approximately 90 projects in the middle school and 90-100 (max) in the upper school. Does this mean I need to buy 2 zFair packages for the year instead of one? Is there any discount for a single school buying two packages?
'''
:If the same people are running both the Jr and Sr parts and they happen on the same dates then you just need one license.

'''We’d like to know how we can download the judging data so our own computer program can run and normalize the scores.
'''
:You can download judging results and see the score each judge gave to each project, from this you can put this into your own program if you don't wish to use our algorithms.

'''Is it possible to change who has access throughout the day and what they have access to? I don’t mind letting teachers get into the student profiles and the judging rooms for chaperoning, but we absolutely do not want teachers to be able to see scores or comments.
'''
:Teachers don't have access to score sheets or feedback until you send that out and only if you copy the teacher on that release.

'''To confirm, you said nothing will be “published” until we’ve had a chance to assess the winners you send us and make sure it makes sense compared to our program. Correct?
'''
:Yes, you can set a date and time when awards are made known on the site.

'''And the Virtual Showcase will not be “published” until teachers have a chance to look at photographs and descriptions. Correct?'''
:Yes, you can turn it on or off as you wish.

'''Can we “close” the Showcase to students making last-minute changes after a certain date?'''
:Yes, you can set a date at which changes can no longer be made to student accounts.

'''You mentioned something about having support the day of the fair. Certainly, we are hoping there’s no major glitch, but, for example, let’s say we start getting phone calls from judges who say they can’t log on, would there be support on a Thursday afternoon? Is there a point person I should be calling if we do have a problem? Or is that a higher-level package? And if so, what would that cost be for the middle school and the high school being run at the same time?
'''
:Phone support like you are describing is part of the ultimate package. For your example of judges not being able to sign in that is an issue you will be able to handle without us.

'''How do you set the contact person on the Contact Us page?'''
:Click on the staff menu item, then click on fair/contest setup, then click on general, update contact info, and then save.

'''Why do some projects no longer have a category code?'''
:The most common reason for this is if an administrator deletes the code that the project(s) in question were using. Those will have to be manually changed to a different category for the code to show up.

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-27T17:10:18Z

Anna: /* Forms Wizard */

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to '''[[ISEF Forms Wizard]]''' to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to '''[[ISEF Forms Wizard]]''' to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.
# Click on the UPLOAD tab at the top to upload a prefilled form instead of filling it out digitally. You can also use the UPLOAD section to include additional documentation.
# Once form is uploaded, it auto saves.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

===Clearing Forms and Signatures===

If you saved or submitted a form and can not edit the fields:

# Navigate to your main forms page.
# Click on the gears icon next to "Download forms".
:[[File:Forms Gear Icon.png|400 px]]
* Clicking on "Delete Entire Packet Response" will clear all forms of all inputted information.
* Find the form you would like cleared and click "Delete Response". This will clear information from the pink fields.

Note: If you need assistance clearing signatures, you can also send a request to your director, teacher, or forms reviewer.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

=Student's Replying to Review Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-27T17:09:55Z

Anna: /* How to Upload a Form */

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to '''[[ISEF Forms Wizard]]''' to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.
# Click on the UPLOAD tab at the top to upload a prefilled form instead of filling it out digitally. You can also use the UPLOAD section to include additional documentation.
# Once form is uploaded, it auto saves.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

===Clearing Forms and Signatures===

If you saved or submitted a form and can not edit the fields:

# Navigate to your main forms page.
# Click on the gears icon next to "Download forms".
:[[File:Forms Gear Icon.png|400 px]]
* Clicking on "Delete Entire Packet Response" will clear all forms of all inputted information.
* Find the form you would like cleared and click "Delete Response". This will clear information from the pink fields.

Note: If you need assistance clearing signatures, you can also send a request to your director, teacher, or forms reviewer.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

=Student's Replying to Review Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

Participant

2026-10-27T17:07:55Z

Anna: /* Policies and Fees */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* Don't worry if you make a mistake, your fair coordinator, Teacher or a Staff user will be able to assist you during the registration process and you will have access to review and adjust information in your profile until the information freeze period goes into effect.
* Once started you can also continue from where you left off (you'll visit all the same pages, but saved information, with the exception of passwords, will still be present in each of the fields).
* '''DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME USER.''' This will cause confusion for the event Staff & Admin users and make it harder to get you the assistance you might need.
* If you forget your username or password, click on the “Login Help” found on the login section. You can also use Google, Facebook, or Windows to log you in.

== Getting Started ==
Every participant will create a new account every year they enter into their event. After an account is created, then you can log in with your credentials to finish entering your project/entry information.

There are a few different approaches to register on your event, and depending on how your event director sets up your registrations depends on what you will see. We will show you all options, so follow which direction you see for your event.

;NOTE: If your project was selected to advance to the next level event, you do not need to create another account in zFairs. You can log in with your same credentials and follow any prompts to fill out any missing information.

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found HERE.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''[[Making a Purchase]]''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click too enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T17:07:30Z

Anna: /* Policies and Fees */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* Don't worry if you make a mistake, your fair coordinator, Teacher or a Staff user will be able to assist you during the registration process and you will have access to review and adjust information in your profile until the information freeze period goes into effect.
* Once started you can also continue from where you left off (you'll visit all the same pages, but saved information, with the exception of passwords, will still be present in each of the fields).
* '''DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME USER.''' This will cause confusion for the event Staff & Admin users and make it harder to get you the assistance you might need.
* If you forget your username or password, click on the “Login Help” found on the login section. You can also use Google, Facebook, or Windows to log you in.

== Getting Started ==
Every participant will create a new account every year they enter into their event. After an account is created, then you can log in with your credentials to finish entering your project/entry information.

There are a few different approaches to register on your event, and depending on how your event director sets up your registrations depends on what you will see. We will show you all options, so follow which direction you see for your event.

;NOTE: If your project was selected to advance to the next level event, you do not need to create another account in zFairs. You can log in with your same credentials and follow any prompts to fill out any missing information.

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found HERE.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to [['''Making a Purchase''']] for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click too enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T17:06:59Z

Anna: /* Policies and Fees */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* Don't worry if you make a mistake, your fair coordinator, Teacher or a Staff user will be able to assist you during the registration process and you will have access to review and adjust information in your profile until the information freeze period goes into effect.
* Once started you can also continue from where you left off (you'll visit all the same pages, but saved information, with the exception of passwords, will still be present in each of the fields).
* '''DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME USER.''' This will cause confusion for the event Staff & Admin users and make it harder to get you the assistance you might need.
* If you forget your username or password, click on the “Login Help” found on the login section. You can also use Google, Facebook, or Windows to log you in.

== Getting Started ==
Every participant will create a new account every year they enter into their event. After an account is created, then you can log in with your credentials to finish entering your project/entry information.

There are a few different approaches to register on your event, and depending on how your event director sets up your registrations depends on what you will see. We will show you all options, so follow which direction you see for your event.

;NOTE: If your project was selected to advance to the next level event, you do not need to create another account in zFairs. You can log in with your same credentials and follow any prompts to fill out any missing information.

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found HERE.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to [[Making a Purchase]] for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click too enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T17:06:24Z

Anna:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[Making a Purchase|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* Don't worry if you make a mistake, your fair coordinator, Teacher or a Staff user will be able to assist you during the registration process and you will have access to review and adjust information in your profile until the information freeze period goes into effect.
* Once started you can also continue from where you left off (you'll visit all the same pages, but saved information, with the exception of passwords, will still be present in each of the fields).
* '''DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME USER.''' This will cause confusion for the event Staff & Admin users and make it harder to get you the assistance you might need.
* If you forget your username or password, click on the “Login Help” found on the login section. You can also use Google, Facebook, or Windows to log you in.

== Getting Started ==
Every participant will create a new account every year they enter into their event. After an account is created, then you can log in with your credentials to finish entering your project/entry information.

There are a few different approaches to register on your event, and depending on how your event director sets up your registrations depends on what you will see. We will show you all options, so follow which direction you see for your event.

;NOTE: If your project was selected to advance to the next level event, you do not need to create another account in zFairs. You can log in with your same credentials and follow any prompts to fill out any missing information.

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found HERE.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''Store and Fees''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click too enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Making a Purchase

2026-10-27T17:05:19Z

Anna: /* Participant Payment and Checkout Process */

=Participant Payment and Checkout Process=

The zFairs platform includes an integrated point-of-sale and registration module that allows participants/students, attendees, and teachers to pay registration fees. The specific payment options available to a user depend on the configurations set by the individual fair's administrative team.

==Payment Locations==

Participants generally encounter the payment interface in one of two locations within the zFairs system:

;The Registration Wizard

During initial account creation, participants fill out required fields, submit project details, and sign digital waivers. The final step of this registration wizard typically directs the user to a checkout screen where mandatory registration fees are calculated and collected.

;The Store

Users who bypass the initial checkout, or those who wish to purchase optional items (e.g., event T-shirts, guest meal tickets), can access the Store from the primary navigation bar. This section functions as a standard e-commerce cart, displaying pending fees and available merchandise.

===Supported Payment Methods===

Fair administrators can toggle various payment gateways and methods. The most common options presented to participants include:

====Online Credit and Debit Cards====

Fairs can integrate built-in merchant processing (supported by Stripe). Processing a payment via credit or debit card clears the fee immediately, updates the user's dashboard status to "Paid," and automatically issues an email receipt.

====Invoices and Offline Payments====

Participants can select Generate Invoice to create a printable PDF. This document contains the participant's name, Order ID, itemized costs, and the host organization's remittance address. This method is utilized for offline payments, such as personal checks, money orders, or cash payments. Fair staff must manually reconcile and mark these invoices as paid within the zFairs system upon receiving the physical funds.

====Bulk School or Teacher Payments====

Many fairs allow educational institutions to absorb the costs for their students. In this workflow:

The participant selects an option indicating their school or sponsor will pay.

The linked teacher or sponsor logs into their zFairs educator portal.

Under the Store > Students menu, the teacher selects multiple student accounts, aggregates their fees into a single cart, and completes a bulk payment via credit card or generates a master invoice.

====Fee Waivers====

If enabled by the fair administration, financially eligible participants can select a fee waiver request or enter a specific authorization code during checkout to bypass the registration cost.

====External Payment Portals====

Some host organizations (such as universities or school districts) are restricted from using third-party payment processors. In these instances, participants are often configured to redirect users to an external portal (e.g., a university bursar site, district web store, or external PayPal portal) to complete the financial transaction.

===Payment Verification===

Users can confirm their transaction statuses directly through their account:
# Navigate to "My Profile" under your name.
# Click on the "Orders" tab.
# Click on the blue invoice to review your invoice.
# A green "Paid" box will show when the invoice has been paid.

By clicking on the "Store" in the menu, users can also see their order history.

Making a Purchase

2026-10-27T17:03:06Z

Anna: Created page with "=Participant Payment and Checkout Process= The zFairs platform includes an integrated point-of-sale and registration module that allows participants/students, attendees, and teachers to pay registration fees. The specific payment options available to a user depend on the configurations set by the individual fair's administrative team. Payment Locations Participants generally encounter the payment interface in one of two locations within the zFairs system: ;The Regist..."

=Participant Payment and Checkout Process=

The zFairs platform includes an integrated point-of-sale and registration module that allows participants/students, attendees, and teachers to pay registration fees. The specific payment options available to a user depend on the configurations set by the individual fair's administrative team.

Payment Locations

Participants generally encounter the payment interface in one of two locations within the zFairs system:

;The Registration Wizard

During initial account creation, participants fill out required fields, submit project details, and sign digital waivers. The final step of this registration wizard typically directs the user to a checkout screen where mandatory registration fees are calculated and collected.

;The Store

Users who bypass the initial checkout, or those who wish to purchase optional items (e.g., event T-shirts, guest meal tickets), can access the Store from the primary navigation bar. This section functions as a standard e-commerce cart, displaying pending fees and available merchandise.

Supported Payment Methods

Fair administrators can toggle various payment gateways and methods. The most common options presented to participants include:

Online Credit and Debit Cards

Fairs can integrate built-in merchant processing (supported by Stripe). Processing a payment via credit or debit card clears the fee immediately, updates the user's dashboard status to "Paid," and automatically issues an email receipt.

Invoices and Offline Payments

Participants can select Generate Invoice to create a printable PDF. This document contains the participant's name, Order ID, itemized costs, and the host organization's remittance address. This method is utilized for offline payments, such as personal checks, money orders, or cash payments. Fair staff must manually reconcile and mark these invoices as paid within the zFairs system upon receiving the physical funds.

Bulk School or Teacher Payments

Many fairs allow educational institutions to absorb the costs for their students. In this workflow:

The participant selects an option indicating their school or sponsor will pay.

The linked teacher or sponsor logs into their zFairs educator portal.

Under the Store > Students menu, the teacher selects multiple student accounts, aggregates their fees into a single cart, and completes a bulk payment via credit card or generates a master invoice.

Fee Waivers

If enabled by the fair administration, financially eligible participants can select a fee waiver request or enter a specific authorization code during checkout to bypass the registration cost.

External Payment Portals

Some host organizations (such as universities or school districts) are restricted from using third-party payment processors. In these instances, participants are often configured to redirect users to an external portal (e.g., a university bursar site, district web store, or external PayPal portal) to complete the financial transaction.

Payment Verification

Users can confirm their transaction statuses directly through their account:
# Navigate to "My Profile" under your name.
# Click on the "Orders" tab.
# Click on the blue invoice to review your invoice.
# A green "Paid" box will show when the invoice has been paid.

By clicking on the "Store" in the menu, users can also see their order history.

Participant

2026-10-27T16:21:19Z

Anna: /* Peer Review */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[How to Check Out|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* Don't worry if you make a mistake, your fair coordinator, Teacher or a Staff user will be able to assist you during the registration process and you will have access to review and adjust information in your profile until the information freeze period goes into effect.
* Once started you can also continue from where you left off (you'll visit all the same pages, but saved information, with the exception of passwords, will still be present in each of the fields).
* '''DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME USER.''' This will cause confusion for the event Staff & Admin users and make it harder to get you the assistance you might need.
* If you forget your username or password, click on the “Login Help” found on the login section. You can also use Google, Facebook, or Windows to log you in.

== Getting Started ==
Every participant will create a new account every year they enter into their event. After an account is created, then you can log in with your credentials to finish entering your project/entry information.

There are a few different approaches to register on your event, and depending on how your event director sets up your registrations depends on what you will see. We will show you all options, so follow which direction you see for your event.

;NOTE: If your project was selected to advance to the next level event, you do not need to create another account in zFairs. You can log in with your same credentials and follow any prompts to fill out any missing information.

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found HERE.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''Store and Fees''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# "Peer Review" will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab. Click too enter it.
# In the Judging Portal, you will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T16:18:37Z

Anna: /* Peer Review */

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[How to Check Out|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* Don't worry if you make a mistake, your fair coordinator, Teacher or a Staff user will be able to assist you during the registration process and you will have access to review and adjust information in your profile until the information freeze period goes into effect.
* Once started you can also continue from where you left off (you'll visit all the same pages, but saved information, with the exception of passwords, will still be present in each of the fields).
* '''DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME USER.''' This will cause confusion for the event Staff & Admin users and make it harder to get you the assistance you might need.
* If you forget your username or password, click on the “Login Help” found on the login section. You can also use Google, Facebook, or Windows to log you in.

== Getting Started ==
Every participant will create a new account every year they enter into their event. After an account is created, then you can log in with your credentials to finish entering your project/entry information.

There are a few different approaches to register on your event, and depending on how your event director sets up your registrations depends on what you will see. We will show you all options, so follow which direction you see for your event.

;NOTE: If your project was selected to advance to the next level event, you do not need to create another account in zFairs. You can log in with your same credentials and follow any prompts to fill out any missing information.

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found HERE.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''Store and Fees''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==
When Peer Review is on and the person is eligible to submit a Peer Review:
# Login to your zFairs profile.
# A Peer Review item will show in your menu.
# That link opens the Judging Portal in a new tab.
# You will only see peer-review rounds, not "Judge" rounds.
# Click on one of the entries you are assigned to and fill out the rubric.
# Click Submit when you are finished.
# The scored entry will show in grey.
# Continue to score all the projects given to you as instructed by your fair director.
# When you are done, you can "x" out of the Judging Portal.

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Participant

2026-10-27T16:00:40Z

Anna:

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%;" | Quick Reference Guide for Participants
|-
|
* '''Getting Started & Registration:''' [[Participant#Navigating zFairs|Navigating zFairs]] | [[Participant#Participant Registration|Registration]]
* '''Forms, Signatures & Uploads:''' [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)|Forms and Paperwork Upload]] | [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Release Forms|E-Signing Hold Harmless and Media Release Forms]]
* '''Fees & Store:''' [[How to Check Out|Paying Registration Fees]] | Buying Merchandise
* '''Judging & Contests:''' [[Peer review|Peer Review]] | [[Setup Guides/Guided Review - Judging|Virtual Judging & Interviews]]
* '''Results & Certificates:''' [[Awards & Certificates|Looking Up Historic Awards]] | [[Showcase|Project Showcase]] | [[Awards & Certificates|Participation Certificates]]
|}
= Participant Registration =

== Tips ==
* Don't worry if you make a mistake, your fair coordinator, Teacher or a Staff user will be able to assist you during the registration process and you will have access to review and adjust information in your profile until the information freeze period goes into effect.
* Once started you can also continue from where you left off (you'll visit all the same pages, but saved information, with the exception of passwords, will still be present in each of the fields).
* '''DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE SAME USER.''' This will cause confusion for the event Staff & Admin users and make it harder to get you the assistance you might need.
* If you forget your username or password, click on the “Login Help” found on the login section. You can also use Google, Facebook, or Windows to log you in.

== Getting Started ==
Every participant will create a new account every year they enter into their event. After an account is created, then you can log in with your credentials to finish entering your project/entry information.

There are a few different approaches to register on your event, and depending on how your event director sets up your registrations depends on what you will see. We will show you all options, so follow which direction you see for your event.

;NOTE: If your project was selected to advance to the next level event, you do not need to create another account in zFairs. You can log in with your same credentials and follow any prompts to fill out any missing information.

== Navigating from the Home Page ==
There are two places you can go to sign up to register. The main place is '''“Create Account”''' which is found in the menu at the top of the page. Just scroll down to '''“Participant”''' or '''"Student"''' to start registering.

Your Home Page may also have a place to register on the right side of the screen.
[[File:Registration selection screen 2.png|thumb|Basic Style registration]]
[[File:Account_registration_1.png|thumb|Account widget new style]]

After clicking '''“Register”''' or '''“Create Account”''' you will need to choose '''“Participant”''' (Student) to continue on to registration.

;NOTE: If you get a screen that says registration is closed, you will need to wait to register until the date listed.''

== Following a Link That Was Emailed to You ==
You may have received a link to register. In most cases, these links will take you directly to the registration page. However, sometimes directors send the URL to the event site instead.

If you received a link to the registration page, fill in the required information.

; Where This Page Can Vary
* You may be asked for a user name.
** ''Note:'' If you are not asked for a username, your participant ID or your email address will be your username.
* You may not be asked for participant ID (a.k.a: student ID).

== To Create an Account ==
# Fill in your First Name, Last Name, and a viable email into the fields, and click '''“Save and continue”'''.
# On the next screen, you will be asked to verify your email address. You will be prompted to check your email for a verification link. Open up your email and click on the link.
#* Emails are sent from <code>NoReply@zfairs.com</code>. Check your SPAM folder if you don’t see it in your inbox.
#* Some school computers and school email addresses block emails from zFairs. It is always best to use a personal email.
#* If you used a personal email and still did not receive an email, use a different device, like a cell phone, and go to the log in section and use the “Login help” to resend the email verification link.
#* DO NOT recreate an account if you already entered your information in the “Sign-Up Now” section, even if you tried to sign up for the event weeks ago. Use the Login Help or the Google/Facebook/Windows to get a new email link.
#* If you are still having trouble receiving a verification email, reach out to us by emailing <code>support@zfairs.com</code>.
# You have now reached the Profile page. Fill out all the fields. Any fields marked with an asterisk ('''*''') are required and you cannot proceed without filling these in.
# Choose a password. The password requirements are:
## 6 characters
## At least one number
## One uppercase letter and one lowercase letter
## One special character (<code>` ~ ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) _ + - = [ ] \ { } | ; ' : " , . / < > ?</code>)
# Save and Continue.

; Where This Can Vary
After saving the profile page, you may see a page with additional questions. These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.

You may see the "Policies" page and/or a checkout option here. This means that your account is created before you fill in your entry information. Even though you are prompted to continue with your entry information, you are welcome to exit zFairs and navigate back to fill out your entry information later. ''(See Submission to learn how to submit your project)''

== Entry Pages ==
Entry pages will vary greatly depending on the type of event you are participating in. If you are an NHD student, follow the registration guide found HERE.

For other participants, the following is a typical flow for students in K-12 competitions. Keep in mind that even though your entry setup may vary, the steps through the settings that are there remain the same.

Follow up with your teacher or event coordinator if you get stuck or are confused with how to proceed.

# Pick an entry option. Most participants are going to '''“Start a New Entry”'''. The exception is if you are on a team, and your team leader has registered. Then you will want to '''“Link to Existing Entry”'''.
#* '''Team Projects''' - To join as a team project, acquire the project key for your team.
#** If you are the first on your team to register, then fill out the Project/Entry information fields as you normally would. Be sure to check the "Will this be a team project" box on the Entry Info page.
#** If you are joining an existing Project/Entry, get the project key from someone who is already registered on the project/entry, and then click on the '''Link / Join Existing Team Project''' button.
#*** Team members can find this project key when they finish their initial registration on their account confirmation page, or after they are registered, in their profile by clicking on their name in the menu, selecting '''My Profile'''. Under the Entry tab, then in the "Project Key" field. You can copy and paste the key to send in a message to team members.
#*** The Project Key will look something like the following: <code>c2a734ff-aa31-40a1-a5a4-c2d86009fbf2</code>
#*** DO NOT include spaces when entering the key into registration.
#*** If you forget or don't link to your team's existing project/entry during registration, you will need to contact the event Coordinator or a Staff / Admin user for the event to get assistance in getting your team linked properly.
# The next group of pages are the Entry pages. The progress bar at the top will show these pages as small circles and you can use this to see how far you have to finish registration. You may see some or all of these pages. Content may vary.
#* '''School Page:'''
#** Select your school from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your school to the list, and then choose it from the drop down.
#** Select your teacher from the drop down list or select “Not Listed” to add your teacher to the list and then choose them from the drop down.
#** Select your grade from the drop down. If your grade is not showing, you probably are not able to participate in this event. Talk to your teacher or the fair director to make sure you are able to compete.
#*:''*You may not be able to add your teacher or school. If this is the case, and you do not see your school or teacher, reach out to your teacher first to see if they have registered, then contact the event coordinator.
#* '''Entry Page:'''
#**This is an example of some of the fields you may see. Keep in mind that these fields may vary, and some may be required. Enter in:
#*** Title
#*** Choose category from dropdown list
#*** Check the box if it will be a team project
#*** Add a description*
#*** Check the box if you want your entry to be considered for ISEF
#*** Enter in your Project/Research Plan*
#*** Add your Abstract*
#*** Upload your display board, Log Book, and any images (PDFs work best, but you should be able to upload most any other file types. Reach out to your fair director if you have any questions.)
#*: ''*You can copy and paste from a document into these fields.''
#* '''Additional Questions:''' These may be required, so read them carefully and save and continue when you are finished filling them out.
#* '''Mentor Information:'''
#** Fill out your mentor information. You can add more than one mentor if needed. Click “Save and Continue” to bypass this page.

== Forms ==
Forms can be submitted by uploading or filling out interactive forms. Depending on your event’s setup and needs, the forms pages can look different.

* If you see a "Paperwork" tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Paperwork Upload|Paperwork Upload]]''' to read how to submit these forms. Also, with this type of paperwork, you may have an additional "ISEF Wizard" tab/page. Read through the wizard and check the boxes that apply to your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Paperwork uploads page.png|thumb|Paperwork uploads page]]
* If you see a different type of tab, navigate to '''[[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)#Forms Packet|Forms Packet]]''' to read how to submit these types of forms or access the information within. A forms wizard may pop up when navigating onto this page. Respond by checking the boxes that apply to you and your project. This will control which forms show as required.
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|thumb|forms packet page during registration]]
# Make sure you upload any forms that are labeled as required.
# '''ALL''' forms can be bypassed during registration, and can be filled out/added later (this is recommended).
# Any forms with a template file or “download template” option showing means you can download the form to fill out. Most of these forms can be filled out online and be printed to be signed, or saved to your personal files then be uploaded into zFairs.

== Policies and Fees ==
* The Fair Policies Page is the last page before you are required to pay the fair registration fee. Read through each section and check the box next to each section. You may be required to type in your name before you can proceed.
* Fees are not always required. Navigate to '''Store and Fees''' for instructions on how to pay fees or purchase items.

Congratulations! You should now see an account confirmation page. If you have team members, don’t forget to copy the project key and send it to them. You can now log in and out of your account as needed.

=Navigating zFairs=

Take a look at your site. There are lots of variations among events, but here are some things that you may see once you log in:

* '''Home''' - This will guide you back to the home page if you navigate away from it. You can also get back to the home page by clicking on your event’s logo.
* '''Your Name''' - Everyone who logs in will see their name in the menu. Clicking on your name will provide you with several options:
** '''My Profile''' - This will give you access to your profile, entry, and paperwork. Take a look at the tabs on the top. They may vary.
*** '''Profile:''' Access to your demographic information that you filled out during registration. You will be able to edit this information if needed
*** '''Entry:''' This will give you access to all your entry and forms information. You can also edit this as needed. You may have to click into your entry to access your information, if your fair has multiple entry types.
*** '''Orders:''' This will show you if you paid a fee or bought merchandise. Click into the blue “Invoice” to see a receipt of your transaction.
*** '''Misc:''' This tab shows if you have release forms that need to be signed (or if they have been signed). You can request a signature from here as well. This tab will also allow you to remove your account if you no longer wish to participate in this event. You will need to contact your event director if you paid a fee so you can be given a refund.
** '''Change Password''' - Use this to change your password
** '''Leave this event''' - This will allow you to remove your account from this site if you no longer want to participate in this event. Note: you will need to contact your director to be refunded any fees.
** '''Logout'''
* '''Paperwork''' - You can access your events forms from the menu by selecting the packet or “paperwork” from the drop down. Navigate to “Paperwork and Forms” to see how to fill out or upload forms and other paperwork into zFairs.
* '''Messages''' - Any time your event sends you an email through zFairs, whether for communication about the event or whether your form's status has changed, you will see the messages here as well. You can not reply to messages here, but it does provide another way to keep track of any communication from your event.

There are several other items that can appear in your menu. We suggest that you click into each to get to know your event and where to find information.

;Event App
Does your event have a zFairs app?!

An event app is a great tool to have especially on event day. To download the app, visit your app store (apple or android), and search for zFairs. Once you download the app, open it. This will ask you for an Event Code. This is an eight (8) character code you will need to get from your fair director. Once you have entered into your event, the app will always open to it.

Clicking on the bell on the right side will open messages. You can opt in to receive live notifications texted to your phone as well.

Clicking on the three bars on the left will open your event's menu. Click into each of these to find out all sorts of information including maps, access to login to your zFairs site, and FAQ's.

=Judging/Scoring=

==Peer Review==

==Virtual Event==
=== AutoPlop ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use the AutoPlop feature there are a few things you should know about this Virtual Judging Only feature.
:* There will be no assigned interview times
:* You will log in on the day of the fair at your appointed start time and click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> and then the <strong>I'm Ready</strong> button
:** Once you click the I'm Ready button don't navigate away from that page. Doing so will remove you from the queue and could prevent you from being judged
:** AutoPlop will pair you with appropriate Judges and the appropriate number of judges and then place you in your Project/Entry Virtual Interview Room (NOTE: You can also manually access your Virtual Interview Room by clicking the Blue Button at the left but only do this if directed to do so by a Staff or Admin user for the event)
:** When AutoPlop places you into a room with judges give it a full 60 seconds before being concerned that something didn't connect properly. It normally takes just a few seconds, but depending on everyone's connection speeds it could be delayed slightly.

=== Scheduled Interviews ===
: If your event coordinator has opted to use scheduled interviews you will want to log in and click on Virtual Contest to see your list of interview times.
:* Interview times will be in chronological order
: When it is time for you to begin an interview follow these steps to get into your Project / Entry Room
:# Log In
:# Click the <strong>Virtual Contest</strong> menu option
:# Click the blue <strong>Enter Virtual Judging / Interview</strong> button
:# ... well there really isn't a step 4 but I guess if there needed to be one it would be have an awesome interview and <u>do great things!</u>
:# Click on the red <strong>Hang Up</strong> or the red <strong>Leave</strong> buttons to exit your interview when you are done.
:
: If you get the chance to test your video and audio connections prior to the day of the fair please be sure to have two different devices join your room as otherwise you may find that your network is blocking video and audio feeds on the day of the fair when you are just wanting everything to go smoothly.
:* You can log in to your same user on two different devices to see if video and audio works properly.

= After the Fair =
: Congrats you made it through. Depending on your event's configuration you may be able to log in and see your awards as well as print out any associated certificates.

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Users]]
[[Category: Getting Started]]
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Customize]]

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-27T15:58:02Z

Anna: /* Clearing Forms and Signatures */

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.
# Click on the UPLOAD tab at the top to upload a prefilled form instead of filling it out digitally. You can also use the UPLOAD section to include additional documentation.
# Once form is uploaded, it auto saves.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

===Clearing Forms and Signatures===

If you saved or submitted a form and can not edit the fields:

# Navigate to your main forms page.
# Click on the gears icon next to "Download forms".
:[[File:Forms Gear Icon.png|400 px]]
* Clicking on "Delete Entire Packet Response" will clear all forms of all inputted information.
* Find the form you would like cleared and click "Delete Response". This will clear information from the pink fields.

Note: If you need assistance clearing signatures, you can also send a request to your director, teacher, or forms reviewer.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

=Student's Replying to Review Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-27T15:57:26Z

Anna: /* Clearing Forms and Signatures */

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.
# Click on the UPLOAD tab at the top to upload a prefilled form instead of filling it out digitally. You can also use the UPLOAD section to include additional documentation.
# Once form is uploaded, it auto saves.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

===Clearing Forms and Signatures===

If you saved or submitted a form and can not edit the fields:

# Navigate to your main forms page.
# Click on the gears icon next to "Download forms".
[File:Forms Gear Icon.png|400 px]
* Clicking on "Delete Entire Packet Response" will clear all forms of all inputted information.
* Find the form you would like cleared and click "Delete Response". This will clear information from the pink fields.

Note: If you need assistance clearing signatures, you can also send a request to your director, teacher, or forms reviewer.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

=Student's Replying to Review Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

File:Forms Gear Icon.png

2026-10-27T15:56:38Z

Anna:

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-27T15:56:17Z

Anna:

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.
# Click on the UPLOAD tab at the top to upload a prefilled form instead of filling it out digitally. You can also use the UPLOAD section to include additional documentation.
# Once form is uploaded, it auto saves.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

==Clearing Forms and Signatures==

If you saved or submitted a form and can not edit the fields:

# Navigate to your main forms page.
# Click on the gears icon next to "Download forms".

* Clicking on "Delete Entire Packet Response" will clear all forms of all inputted information.
* Find the form you would like cleared and click "Delete Response". This will clear information from the pink fields.

Note: If you need assistance clearing signatures, you can also send a request to your director, teacher, or forms reviewer.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

=Student's Replying to Review Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-27T15:48:06Z

Anna: /* Fill Out a Form */

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.
# Click on the UPLOAD tab at the top to upload a prefilled form instead of filling it out digitally. You can also use the UPLOAD section to include additional documentation.
# Once form is uploaded, it auto saves.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

=Student's Replying to Review Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-27T15:44:26Z

Anna: /* Fill Out a Form */

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Navigation Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

=Student's Replying to Review Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-27T15:37:23Z

Anna:

;For official ISEF information on forms and rules, visit [https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/ The Society For Science] website.

== Before You Start ==
* '''Know what your project uses:''' The wizard asks about human participants, vertebrate animals, biological agents, hazardous chemicals, and other controlled items. Know what your project uses to ensure you choose the correct forms.
* '''Gather adult contacts:''' Have the full name and email address of each adult who needs to sign a form (e.g., Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, Direct Supervisor).
* '''Read before signing:''' Plan time to thoroughly review each completed form prior to signing.

<blockquote>
'''Form Status Indicator Labels:'''
* '''Required (Red):''' Indicates the form must be completed and submitted for your project.
* '''File Not Required:''' Indicates the form is not needed based on your current wizard selections.
</blockquote>

;''Check out [http://ISEF.app ISEF.app] to be walked through the ISEF forms in a clear and easy way. Upload the completed forms from ISEF.app right into your zFairs account. Spanish version translated into English forms available!''

== Open ISEF Forms ==
Most students first see the ISEF forms during registration. The ISEF wizard is usually filled out at this time too. If you bypassed forms during registration,
# Log into your event. From the homepage, open '''Paperwork''' from the main menu and select your forms.
# Read any notes at the top to understand the page requirements.
# Click '''download forms''' if you want to download a complete PDF copy of the packet.

You can also access forms from your profile found by clicking your name in the menu, and scrolling down to "My Profile". You may need to enter into your entry to access your forms.

== Answer the Form Wizard ==
;For Paperwork Upload:
#From the homepage, click on your name and then on "My Profile".
#Find the ISEF Wizard tab and click on it.
#You can make edits to your wizard here to make your forms requirements change as needed.

[[File:Forms Wizard.png|400px]]

;For Forms Packet:
# Click '''Show Form Wizard''' to open the wizard dialog.
# Check every statement that applies to your project. Leave all other options unchecked.
# If none of the specific items apply to your project, check '''None of these apply to my project'''.
#* ''Note: Selecting "None of these apply" automatically unchecks all other boxes. Selecting any specific box unchecks "None of these apply". You must select at least one option before saving.''
# Click '''Save & Close''' when your selections are accurate.
#* '''Save:''' Stores your answers while keeping the wizard window open.
#* '''Close:''' Exits the window without saving recent changes.

== Required Forms & Wizard Logic ==

=== Always Required Forms ===
The following core forms are required for every project and cannot be disabled by the wizard:
* '''Form 1:''' Adult Sponsor Checklist
* '''Form 1A:''' Student Checklist
* '''Form 1B:''' Approval Form
* '''Form 2A:''' Student Support Disclosure Form

''Note: Form 3 (Risk Assessment) and the ISEF Sample Abstract and Certification stay on the main list and are not automatically assigned a red Required tag.''

=== Wizard Logic & Form Requirements ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Wizard Selection !! Required Forms Added
|-
| '''1. Continuation or progression from previous year''' || '''Form 7:''' Continuation or Research Progression Projects
|-
| '''2. Use of humans (including self and/or teammates)''' || '''Form 4:''' Human Participant<br/>'''Form 4:''' Sample Informed Consent<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''3. Use of vertebrate animals''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>'''Form 5A:''' Vertebrate Animal (for non-regulated research site)<br/>'''Form 5B:''' Vertebrate Animal (for regulated research institution)
|-
| '''4. Conducted in regulated research institution, industrial setting, or non-home/school/field site''' || '''Form 2C:''' Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting<br/>''Note: If vertebrate animals is also checked, Form 5B is required instead of Form 5A.''
|-
| '''5. Potentially hazardous biological agents: Microorganisms''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''6. Potentially hazardous biological agents: rDNA''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''7. Human and/or vertebrate animal tissue''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''8. Frozen tissue, cell cultures/lines, blood, body fluids''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>''Note: Student blood research is only permitted if a medical professional handles the blood and provides the data.''
|-
| '''9. Hazardous chemicals, activities, and/or devices''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''10. DEA-controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco, prescription/all drugs)''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''11. None of these apply to my project''' || Clears all optional forms. Only Forms 1, 1A, 1B, and 2A remain required.
|}

====Form 3:====
Although Form 3 may not show as required, the Society of Science recommends that '''EVERY''' project fills out this form. We recommend that too. So even if it doesn't show as required, its a good idea to fill it out anyway.

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-27T15:28:26Z

Anna:

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it under the '''Online Interactive''' tab.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Navigation Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

=Student's Replying to Review Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-27T15:28:03Z

Anna:

;For official ISEF information on forms and rules, visit [https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/ The Society For Science] official website.

== Before You Start ==
* '''Know what your project uses:''' The wizard asks about human participants, vertebrate animals, biological agents, hazardous chemicals, and other controlled items. Know what your project uses to ensure you choose the correct forms.
* '''Gather adult contacts:''' Have the full name and email address of each adult who needs to sign a form (e.g., Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, Direct Supervisor).
* '''Read before signing:''' Plan time to thoroughly review each completed form prior to signing.

<blockquote>
'''Form Status Indicator Labels:'''
* '''Required (Red):''' Indicates the form must be completed and submitted for your project.
* '''File Not Required:''' Indicates the form is not needed based on your current wizard selections.
</blockquote>

;''Check out [http://ISEF.app ISEF.app] to be walked through the ISEF forms in a clear and easy way. Upload the completed forms from ISEF.app right into your zFairs account. Spanish version translated into English forms available!''

== Open ISEF Forms ==
Most students first see the ISEF forms during registration. The ISEF wizard is usually filled out at this time too. If you bypassed forms during registration,
# Log into your event. From the homepage, open '''Paperwork''' from the main menu and select your forms.
# Read any notes at the top to understand the page requirements.
# Click '''download forms''' if you want to download a complete PDF copy of the packet.

You can also access forms from your profile found by clicking your name in the menu, and scrolling down to "My Profile". You may need to enter into your entry to access your forms.

== Answer the Form Wizard ==
;For Paperwork Upload:
#From the homepage, click on your name and then on "My Profile".
#Find the ISEF Wizard tab and click on it.
#You can make edits to your wizard here to make your forms requirements change as needed.

[[File:Forms Wizard.png|400px]]

;For Forms Packet:
# Click '''Show Form Wizard''' to open the wizard dialog.
# Check every statement that applies to your project. Leave all other options unchecked.
# If none of the specific items apply to your project, check '''None of these apply to my project'''.
#* ''Note: Selecting "None of these apply" automatically unchecks all other boxes. Selecting any specific box unchecks "None of these apply". You must select at least one option before saving.''
# Click '''Save & Close''' when your selections are accurate.
#* '''Save:''' Stores your answers while keeping the wizard window open.
#* '''Close:''' Exits the window without saving recent changes.

== Required Forms & Wizard Logic ==

=== Always Required Forms ===
The following core forms are required for every project and cannot be disabled by the wizard:
* '''Form 1:''' Adult Sponsor Checklist
* '''Form 1A:''' Student Checklist
* '''Form 1B:''' Approval Form
* '''Form 2A:''' Student Support Disclosure Form

''Note: Form 3 (Risk Assessment) and the ISEF Sample Abstract and Certification stay on the main list and are not automatically assigned a red Required tag.''

=== Wizard Logic & Form Requirements ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Wizard Selection !! Required Forms Added
|-
| '''1. Continuation or progression from previous year''' || '''Form 7:''' Continuation or Research Progression Projects
|-
| '''2. Use of humans (including self and/or teammates)''' || '''Form 4:''' Human Participant<br/>'''Form 4:''' Sample Informed Consent<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''3. Use of vertebrate animals''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>'''Form 5A:''' Vertebrate Animal (for non-regulated research site)<br/>'''Form 5B:''' Vertebrate Animal (for regulated research institution)
|-
| '''4. Conducted in regulated research institution, industrial setting, or non-home/school/field site''' || '''Form 2C:''' Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting<br/>''Note: If vertebrate animals is also checked, Form 5B is required instead of Form 5A.''
|-
| '''5. Potentially hazardous biological agents: Microorganisms''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''6. Potentially hazardous biological agents: rDNA''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''7. Human and/or vertebrate animal tissue''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''8. Frozen tissue, cell cultures/lines, blood, body fluids''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>''Note: Student blood research is only permitted if a medical professional handles the blood and provides the data.''
|-
| '''9. Hazardous chemicals, activities, and/or devices''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''10. DEA-controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco, prescription/all drugs)''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''11. None of these apply to my project''' || Clears all optional forms. Only Forms 1, 1A, 1B, and 2A remain required.
|}

====Form 3:====
Although Form 3 may not show as required, the Society of Science recommends that '''EVERY''' project fills out this form. We recommend that too. So even if it doesn't show as required, its a good idea to fill it out anyway.

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-27T15:27:42Z

Anna: /* Student's Replying to SRC Comments */

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-27T15:25:47Z

Anna:

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-27T15:24:48Z

Anna:

;For official ISEF information on forms and rules, visit [https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/].

== Before You Start ==
* '''Know what your project uses:''' The wizard asks about human participants, vertebrate animals, biological agents, hazardous chemicals, and other controlled items. Know what your project uses to ensure you choose the correct forms.
* '''Gather adult contacts:''' Have the full name and email address of each adult who needs to sign a form (e.g., Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, Direct Supervisor).
* '''Read before signing:''' Plan time to thoroughly review each completed form prior to signing.

<blockquote>
'''Form Status Indicator Labels:'''
* '''Required (Red):''' Indicates the form must be completed and submitted for your project.
* '''File Not Required:''' Indicates the form is not needed based on your current wizard selections.
</blockquote>

;''Check out [http://ISEF.app ISEF.app] to be walked through the ISEF forms in a clear and easy way. Upload the completed forms from ISEF.app right into your zFairs account. Spanish version translated into English forms available!''

== Open ISEF Forms ==
Most students first see the ISEF forms during registration. The ISEF wizard is usually filled out at this time too. If you bypassed forms during registration,
# Log into your event. From the homepage, open '''Paperwork''' from the main menu and select your forms.
# Read any notes at the top to understand the page requirements.
# Click '''download forms''' if you want to download a complete PDF copy of the packet.

You can also access forms from your profile found by clicking your name in the menu, and scrolling down to "My Profile". You may need to enter into your entry to access your forms.

== Answer the Form Wizard ==
;For Paperwork Upload:
#From the homepage, click on your name and then on "My Profile".
#Find the ISEF Wizard tab and click on it.
#You can make edits to your wizard here to make your forms requirements change as needed.

[[File:Forms Wizard.png|400px]]

;For Forms Packet:
# Click '''Show Form Wizard''' to open the wizard dialog.
# Check every statement that applies to your project. Leave all other options unchecked.
# If none of the specific items apply to your project, check '''None of these apply to my project'''.
#* ''Note: Selecting "None of these apply" automatically unchecks all other boxes. Selecting any specific box unchecks "None of these apply". You must select at least one option before saving.''
# Click '''Save & Close''' when your selections are accurate.
#* '''Save:''' Stores your answers while keeping the wizard window open.
#* '''Close:''' Exits the window without saving recent changes.

== Required Forms & Wizard Logic ==

=== Always Required Forms ===
The following core forms are required for every project and cannot be disabled by the wizard:
* '''Form 1:''' Adult Sponsor Checklist
* '''Form 1A:''' Student Checklist
* '''Form 1B:''' Approval Form
* '''Form 2A:''' Student Support Disclosure Form

''Note: Form 3 (Risk Assessment) and the ISEF Sample Abstract and Certification stay on the main list and are not automatically assigned a red Required tag.''

=== Wizard Logic & Form Requirements ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Wizard Selection !! Required Forms Added
|-
| '''1. Continuation or progression from previous year''' || '''Form 7:''' Continuation or Research Progression Projects
|-
| '''2. Use of humans (including self and/or teammates)''' || '''Form 4:''' Human Participant<br/>'''Form 4:''' Sample Informed Consent<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''3. Use of vertebrate animals''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>'''Form 5A:''' Vertebrate Animal (for non-regulated research site)<br/>'''Form 5B:''' Vertebrate Animal (for regulated research institution)
|-
| '''4. Conducted in regulated research institution, industrial setting, or non-home/school/field site''' || '''Form 2C:''' Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting<br/>''Note: If vertebrate animals is also checked, Form 5B is required instead of Form 5A.''
|-
| '''5. Potentially hazardous biological agents: Microorganisms''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''6. Potentially hazardous biological agents: rDNA''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''7. Human and/or vertebrate animal tissue''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''8. Frozen tissue, cell cultures/lines, blood, body fluids''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>''Note: Student blood research is only permitted if a medical professional handles the blood and provides the data.''
|-
| '''9. Hazardous chemicals, activities, and/or devices''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''10. DEA-controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco, prescription/all drugs)''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''11. None of these apply to my project''' || Clears all optional forms. Only Forms 1, 1A, 1B, and 2A remain required.
|}

====Form 3:====
Although Form 3 may not show as required, the Society of Science recommends that '''EVERY''' project fills out this form. We recommend that too. So even if it doesn't show as required, its a good idea to fill it out anyway.

=Student's Replying to SRC Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

Teachers

2026-10-27T15:21:51Z

Anna:

:As a teacher, if you have a student who would like to register for the fair, you will need to register first. Once you are registered, your students will be able to select you as their teacher during registration.

:One of the main benefits of registering as a teacher is that this gives you the ability to log-in, review, and manage all of your students and their projects. Students can also log-in to their own accounts to make these changes, and need to be responsible for their own entries. Our goal is to provide an additional tool to help move along any hold ups.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%; padding: 6px 10px;" | 🍎 Teacher Quick Reference & Links
|-
|
; 1. Account & School Setup
* '''[[Update Profile | Updating Profile]]''' | '''[[Change Password | Changing Password]]'''
* '''Creating Your Account:''' Click ''Create Account'' → Select ''Teacher'' → Verify Email → Select/Add School.

; 2. Student Registration & Onboarding
* '''[[Participant|Student Registration Guide]]''' | '''[[Importing Data|Bulk Import Students]]'''
* '''Student Self-Registration:''' Share the site URL with students so they can select you during registration.
* '''Manual Student Add:''' Go to ''Create Account'' menu → Select ''Participant''.

; 3. Managing Students & Projects ("My Students")
* Navigate to '''My Students''' → Search by student or project name.
* '''Actions Available:''' Edit/View Profile, Change Password/Username, Email Student/Parent, Link/Unlink Projects, Login As, or Delete.

; 4. Reviewing Paperwork & Forms
* '''[[ISEF Forms Wizard|ISEF Forms Guide]]'''
* Navigate to the '''Review''' tab → Select student forms → Mark as '''Ready'''. *(Note: Final approval requires SRC or Staff permissions).*
|}

==Teacher Registration==

# Click create account
# Select Teacher
# Enter your information
# Click "Save and Continue"
# Check your email for a message to verify your email address. Click on the link inside the email to continue.
# Complete required information
# Click "Save & Continue"
# Select your school
#*'' *You may be able to add your school if you don't see it in the dropdown. If allowed, you will see a blue "Add a school that is not listed" button. Simply fill out the form to your best ability. Not all fields are required to create a school account, but any additional information that you can give will help your event director continue to work with this school in the future. After saving your school information, the school will now show in the dropdown list. Select it to continue.
#*'' *You can select more than one school.
# Click "Save & Continue"

==Updating Your Information:==

For information on changing password see: '''[[Change Password | Changing Password ]]'''
<br>
For information on updating your profile see: '''[[Update Profile | Updating Profile ]]'''

== Registering a Student:==
Keep in mind that you do not need to log-in or even be present for your students to register. Your student can register from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Most teachers provide their students with the link or the URL to the event website and encourage them to complete their registration. To access directions for student registration navigate to '''[[Participant | Participant Registration]]'''.

If you do register for your students, click on the "Create Account" section in the menu, and click on participant. Complete the registration with the student or for the student.

For Bulk importing student accounts, to create accounts all at once, make sure you first have permission to do this, then follow the instructions for '''[[Importing Data]]'''. You will find the "Register Participants (Bulk)" under the Create Account dropdown in the menu.

==Viewing/Editing Student's Profile (including making changes to entry and forms):==
# Click on "My Students"
# In the search bar, type the name of the student or project you would like to view.
# Click on the Student/Project you would like to view.
# Select the appropriate option:
#* Edit/View Participant - See the participants profile, entry, and forms, and make changes as needed
#* Change Password - set a default password and it will prompt the student to change password upon logging in
#* Change Username
#* Email - Send email to student and copy parent in email
#* Link to a Project - Join to team
#* Unlink from a Project - Remove from team
#* Login As - View the site as the participant sees it, and make changes as needed
#* Delete - Remove account

''Note: There may be variances to this menu depending on what your event allows.''

==Viewing Student's Uploaded Paperwork/Submitted Forms==
# Click the "Review" tab
# Select the forms you would like to review in each students box.

'''''NOTE:''' Teachers are only allowed to mark forms as "Ready" and can not approve forms unless they are also an event staff member or SRC reviewer. Also, Teachers only have access to forms submitted by their participants. The only exception is if the teacher is assigned as an SRC reviewer.''

For more information on forms and signatures, navigate to [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)]].

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Users]]

Teachers

2026-10-27T15:20:17Z

Anna: /* Viewing Student's Uploaded Paperwork/Submitted Forms */

:As a teacher, if you have a student who would like to register for the fair, you will need to register first. Once you are registered, your students will be able to select you as their teacher during registration.

:One of the main benefits of registering as a teacher is that this gives you the ability to log-in, review, and manage all of your students and their projects. Students can also log-in to their own accounts to make these changes, and need to be responsible for their own entries. Our goal is to provide an additional tool to help move along any hold ups.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%; padding: 6px 10px;" | 🍎 Teacher Quick Reference & Links
|-
|
; 1. Account & School Setup
* '''[[Update Profile | Updating Profile]]''' | '''[[Change Password | Changing Password]]'''
* '''Creating Your Account:''' Click ''Create Account'' → Select ''Teacher'' → Verify Email → Select/Add School.

; 2. Student Registration & Onboarding
* '''[[Participant|Student Registration Guide]]''' | '''[[Importing Data|Bulk Import Students]]'''
* '''Student Self-Registration:''' Share the site URL with students so they can select you during registration.
* '''Manual Student Add:''' Go to ''Create Account'' menu → Select ''Participant''.

; 3. Managing Students & Projects ("My Students")
* Navigate to '''My Students''' → Search by student or project name.
* '''Actions Available:''' Edit/View Profile, Change Password/Username, Email Student/Parent, Link/Unlink Projects, Login As, or Delete.

; 4. Reviewing Paperwork & Forms
* '''[[Setup Guides/Paperwork & ISEF Forms|Paperwork & ISEF Forms Guide]]'''
* Navigate to the '''Review''' tab → Select student forms → Mark as '''Ready'''. *(Note: Final approval requires SRC or Staff permissions).*
|}

==Teacher Registration==

# Click create account
# Select Teacher
# Enter your information
# Click "Save and Continue"
# Check your email for a message to verify your email address. Click on the link inside the email to continue.
# Complete required information
# Click "Save & Continue"
# Select your school
#*'' *You may be able to add your school if you don't see it in the dropdown. If allowed, you will see a blue "Add a school that is not listed" button. Simply fill out the form to your best ability. Not all fields are required to create a school account, but any additional information that you can give will help your event director continue to work with this school in the future. After saving your school information, the school will now show in the dropdown list. Select it to continue.
#*'' *You can select more than one school.
# Click "Save & Continue"

==Updating Your Information:==

For information on changing password see: '''[[Change Password | Changing Password ]]'''
<br>
For information on updating your profile see: '''[[Update Profile | Updating Profile ]]'''

== Registering a Student:==
Keep in mind that you do not need to log-in or even be present for your students to register. Your student can register from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Most teachers provide their students with the link or the URL to the event website and encourage them to complete their registration. To access directions for student registration navigate to '''[[Participant | Participant Registration]]'''.

If you do register for your students, click on the "Create Account" section in the menu, and click on participant. Complete the registration with the student or for the student.

For Bulk importing student accounts, to create accounts all at once, make sure you first have permission to do this, then follow the instructions for '''[[Importing Data]]'''. You will find the "Register Participants (Bulk)" under the Create Account dropdown in the menu.

==Viewing/Editing Student's Profile (including making changes to entry and forms):==
# Click on "My Students"
# In the search bar, type the name of the student or project you would like to view.
# Click on the Student/Project you would like to view.
# Select the appropriate option:
#* Edit/View Participant - See the participants profile, entry, and forms, and make changes as needed
#* Change Password - set a default password and it will prompt the student to change password upon logging in
#* Change Username
#* Email - Send email to student and copy parent in email
#* Link to a Project - Join to team
#* Unlink from a Project - Remove from team
#* Login As - View the site as the participant sees it, and make changes as needed
#* Delete - Remove account

''Note: There may be variances to this menu depending on what your event allows.''

==Viewing Student's Uploaded Paperwork/Submitted Forms==
# Click the "Review" tab
# Select the forms you would like to review in each students box.

'''''NOTE:''' Teachers are only allowed to mark forms as "Ready" and can not approve forms unless they are also an event staff member or SRC reviewer. Also, Teachers only have access to forms submitted by their participants. The only exception is if the teacher is assigned as an SRC reviewer.''

For more information on forms and signatures, navigate to [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)]].

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Users]]

Teachers

2026-10-27T15:19:23Z

Anna: /* Viewing Student's Uploaded Paperwork/Submitted Forms */

:As a teacher, if you have a student who would like to register for the fair, you will need to register first. Once you are registered, your students will be able to select you as their teacher during registration.

:One of the main benefits of registering as a teacher is that this gives you the ability to log-in, review, and manage all of your students and their projects. Students can also log-in to their own accounts to make these changes, and need to be responsible for their own entries. Our goal is to provide an additional tool to help move along any hold ups.

{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%; background-color: #f8f9fa; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; padding: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px;"
! style="background-color: #eaecf0; text-align: left; font-size: 110%; padding: 6px 10px;" | 🍎 Teacher Quick Reference & Links
|-
|
; 1. Account & School Setup
* '''[[Update Profile | Updating Profile]]''' | '''[[Change Password | Changing Password]]'''
* '''Creating Your Account:''' Click ''Create Account'' → Select ''Teacher'' → Verify Email → Select/Add School.

; 2. Student Registration & Onboarding
* '''[[Participant|Student Registration Guide]]''' | '''[[Importing Data|Bulk Import Students]]'''
* '''Student Self-Registration:''' Share the site URL with students so they can select you during registration.
* '''Manual Student Add:''' Go to ''Create Account'' menu → Select ''Participant''.

; 3. Managing Students & Projects ("My Students")
* Navigate to '''My Students''' → Search by student or project name.
* '''Actions Available:''' Edit/View Profile, Change Password/Username, Email Student/Parent, Link/Unlink Projects, Login As, or Delete.

; 4. Reviewing Paperwork & Forms
* '''[[Setup Guides/Paperwork & ISEF Forms|Paperwork & ISEF Forms Guide]]'''
* Navigate to the '''Review''' tab → Select student forms → Mark as '''Ready'''. *(Note: Final approval requires SRC or Staff permissions).*
|}

==Teacher Registration==

# Click create account
# Select Teacher
# Enter your information
# Click "Save and Continue"
# Check your email for a message to verify your email address. Click on the link inside the email to continue.
# Complete required information
# Click "Save & Continue"
# Select your school
#*'' *You may be able to add your school if you don't see it in the dropdown. If allowed, you will see a blue "Add a school that is not listed" button. Simply fill out the form to your best ability. Not all fields are required to create a school account, but any additional information that you can give will help your event director continue to work with this school in the future. After saving your school information, the school will now show in the dropdown list. Select it to continue.
#*'' *You can select more than one school.
# Click "Save & Continue"

==Updating Your Information:==

For information on changing password see: '''[[Change Password | Changing Password ]]'''
<br>
For information on updating your profile see: '''[[Update Profile | Updating Profile ]]'''

== Registering a Student:==
Keep in mind that you do not need to log-in or even be present for your students to register. Your student can register from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Most teachers provide their students with the link or the URL to the event website and encourage them to complete their registration. To access directions for student registration navigate to '''[[Participant | Participant Registration]]'''.

If you do register for your students, click on the "Create Account" section in the menu, and click on participant. Complete the registration with the student or for the student.

For Bulk importing student accounts, to create accounts all at once, make sure you first have permission to do this, then follow the instructions for '''[[Importing Data]]'''. You will find the "Register Participants (Bulk)" under the Create Account dropdown in the menu.

==Viewing/Editing Student's Profile (including making changes to entry and forms):==
# Click on "My Students"
# In the search bar, type the name of the student or project you would like to view.
# Click on the Student/Project you would like to view.
# Select the appropriate option:
#* Edit/View Participant - See the participants profile, entry, and forms, and make changes as needed
#* Change Password - set a default password and it will prompt the student to change password upon logging in
#* Change Username
#* Email - Send email to student and copy parent in email
#* Link to a Project - Join to team
#* Unlink from a Project - Remove from team
#* Login As - View the site as the participant sees it, and make changes as needed
#* Delete - Remove account

''Note: There may be variances to this menu depending on what your event allows.''

==Viewing Student's Uploaded Paperwork/Submitted Forms==
# Click the "Review" tab
# Select the forms you would like to review in each students box.

'''''NOTE:''' Teachers are only allowed to mark forms as "Ready" and can not approve forms unless they are also an event staff member or SRC reviewer. Also, Teachers only have access to forms submitted by their participants. The only exception is if the teacher is assigned as an SRC reviewer.''

For more information on forms and signatures, navigate to [[Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers.)]]

[[File:ZFairsIcon.png|frameless|left]]

<br/><br/><br/><br/>
[[Category: Setup]]
[[Category: Users]]

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-26T23:51:39Z

Anna: /* Student's Replying to SRC Comments */

== Before You Start ==
* '''Know what your project uses:''' The wizard asks about human participants, vertebrate animals, biological agents, hazardous chemicals, and other controlled items. Know what your project uses to ensure you choose the correct forms.
* '''Gather adult contacts:''' Have the full name and email address of each adult who needs to sign a form (e.g., Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, Direct Supervisor).
* '''Read before signing:''' Plan time to thoroughly review each completed form prior to signing.

<blockquote>
'''Form Status Indicator Labels:'''
* '''Required (Red):''' Indicates the form must be completed and submitted for your project.
* '''File Not Required:''' Indicates the form is not needed based on your current wizard selections.
</blockquote>

;''Check out [http://ISEF.app ISEF.app] to be walked through the ISEF forms in a clear and easy way. Upload the completed forms from ISEF.app right into your zFairs account. Spanish version translated into English forms available!''

== Open ISEF Forms ==
Most students first see the ISEF forms during registration. The ISEF wizard is usually filled out at this time too. If you bypassed forms during registration,
# Log into your event. From the homepage, open '''Paperwork''' from the main menu and select your forms.
# Read any notes at the top to understand the page requirements.
# Click '''download forms''' if you want to download a complete PDF copy of the packet.

You can also access forms from your profile found by clicking your name in the menu, and scrolling down to "My Profile". You may need to enter into your entry to access your forms.

== Answer the Form Wizard ==
;For Paperwork Upload:
#From the homepage, click on your name and then on "My Profile".
#Find the ISEF Wizard tab and click on it.
#You can make edits to your wizard here to make your forms requirements change as needed.

[[File:Forms Wizard.png|400px]]

;For Forms Packet:
# Click '''Show Form Wizard''' to open the wizard dialog.
# Check every statement that applies to your project. Leave all other options unchecked.
# If none of the specific items apply to your project, check '''None of these apply to my project'''.
#* ''Note: Selecting "None of these apply" automatically unchecks all other boxes. Selecting any specific box unchecks "None of these apply". You must select at least one option before saving.''
# Click '''Save & Close''' when your selections are accurate.
#* '''Save:''' Stores your answers while keeping the wizard window open.
#* '''Close:''' Exits the window without saving recent changes.

== Required Forms & Wizard Logic ==

=== Always Required Forms ===
The following core forms are required for every project and cannot be disabled by the wizard:
* '''Form 1:''' Adult Sponsor Checklist
* '''Form 1A:''' Student Checklist
* '''Form 1B:''' Approval Form
* '''Form 2A:''' Student Support Disclosure Form

''Note: Form 3 (Risk Assessment) and the ISEF Sample Abstract and Certification stay on the main list and are not automatically assigned a red Required tag.''

=== Wizard Logic & Form Requirements ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Wizard Selection !! Required Forms Added
|-
| '''1. Continuation or progression from previous year''' || '''Form 7:''' Continuation or Research Progression Projects
|-
| '''2. Use of humans (including self and/or teammates)''' || '''Form 4:''' Human Participant<br/>'''Form 4:''' Sample Informed Consent<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''3. Use of vertebrate animals''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>'''Form 5A:''' Vertebrate Animal (for non-regulated research site)<br/>'''Form 5B:''' Vertebrate Animal (for regulated research institution)
|-
| '''4. Conducted in regulated research institution, industrial setting, or non-home/school/field site''' || '''Form 2C:''' Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting<br/>''Note: If vertebrate animals is also checked, Form 5B is required instead of Form 5A.''
|-
| '''5. Potentially hazardous biological agents: Microorganisms''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''6. Potentially hazardous biological agents: rDNA''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''7. Human and/or vertebrate animal tissue''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''8. Frozen tissue, cell cultures/lines, blood, body fluids''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>''Note: Student blood research is only permitted if a medical professional handles the blood and provides the data.''
|-
| '''9. Hazardous chemicals, activities, and/or devices''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''10. DEA-controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco, prescription/all drugs)''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''11. None of these apply to my project''' || Clears all optional forms. Only Forms 1, 1A, 1B, and 2A remain required.
|}

====Form 3:====
Although Form 3 may not show as required, the Society of Science recommends that '''EVERY''' project fills out this form. We recommend that too. So even if it doesn't show as required, its a good idea to fill it out anyway.

=Student's Replying to SRC Comments=
You may receive emails with the status of your paperwork. If a paperwork reviewer made a comment about your form, you will be able to read it in this email. However, you can not reply back to the commenter by replying to the email. Instead, do this:

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-26T23:49:58Z

Anna:

== Before You Start ==
* '''Know what your project uses:''' The wizard asks about human participants, vertebrate animals, biological agents, hazardous chemicals, and other controlled items. Know what your project uses to ensure you choose the correct forms.
* '''Gather adult contacts:''' Have the full name and email address of each adult who needs to sign a form (e.g., Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, Direct Supervisor).
* '''Read before signing:''' Plan time to thoroughly review each completed form prior to signing.

<blockquote>
'''Form Status Indicator Labels:'''
* '''Required (Red):''' Indicates the form must be completed and submitted for your project.
* '''File Not Required:''' Indicates the form is not needed based on your current wizard selections.
</blockquote>

;''Check out [http://ISEF.app ISEF.app] to be walked through the ISEF forms in a clear and easy way. Upload the completed forms from ISEF.app right into your zFairs account. Spanish version translated into English forms available!''

== Open ISEF Forms ==
Most students first see the ISEF forms during registration. The ISEF wizard is usually filled out at this time too. If you bypassed forms during registration,
# Log into your event. From the homepage, open '''Paperwork''' from the main menu and select your forms.
# Read any notes at the top to understand the page requirements.
# Click '''download forms''' if you want to download a complete PDF copy of the packet.

You can also access forms from your profile found by clicking your name in the menu, and scrolling down to "My Profile". You may need to enter into your entry to access your forms.

== Answer the Form Wizard ==
;For Paperwork Upload:
#From the homepage, click on your name and then on "My Profile".
#Find the ISEF Wizard tab and click on it.
#You can make edits to your wizard here to make your forms requirements change as needed.

[[File:Forms Wizard.png|400px]]

;For Forms Packet:
# Click '''Show Form Wizard''' to open the wizard dialog.
# Check every statement that applies to your project. Leave all other options unchecked.
# If none of the specific items apply to your project, check '''None of these apply to my project'''.
#* ''Note: Selecting "None of these apply" automatically unchecks all other boxes. Selecting any specific box unchecks "None of these apply". You must select at least one option before saving.''
# Click '''Save & Close''' when your selections are accurate.
#* '''Save:''' Stores your answers while keeping the wizard window open.
#* '''Close:''' Exits the window without saving recent changes.

== Required Forms & Wizard Logic ==

=== Always Required Forms ===
The following core forms are required for every project and cannot be disabled by the wizard:
* '''Form 1:''' Adult Sponsor Checklist
* '''Form 1A:''' Student Checklist
* '''Form 1B:''' Approval Form
* '''Form 2A:''' Student Support Disclosure Form

''Note: Form 3 (Risk Assessment) and the ISEF Sample Abstract and Certification stay on the main list and are not automatically assigned a red Required tag.''

=== Wizard Logic & Form Requirements ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Wizard Selection !! Required Forms Added
|-
| '''1. Continuation or progression from previous year''' || '''Form 7:''' Continuation or Research Progression Projects
|-
| '''2. Use of humans (including self and/or teammates)''' || '''Form 4:''' Human Participant<br/>'''Form 4:''' Sample Informed Consent<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''3. Use of vertebrate animals''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>'''Form 5A:''' Vertebrate Animal (for non-regulated research site)<br/>'''Form 5B:''' Vertebrate Animal (for regulated research institution)
|-
| '''4. Conducted in regulated research institution, industrial setting, or non-home/school/field site''' || '''Form 2C:''' Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting<br/>''Note: If vertebrate animals is also checked, Form 5B is required instead of Form 5A.''
|-
| '''5. Potentially hazardous biological agents: Microorganisms''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''6. Potentially hazardous biological agents: rDNA''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''7. Human and/or vertebrate animal tissue''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''8. Frozen tissue, cell cultures/lines, blood, body fluids''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>''Note: Student blood research is only permitted if a medical professional handles the blood and provides the data.''
|-
| '''9. Hazardous chemicals, activities, and/or devices''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''10. DEA-controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco, prescription/all drugs)''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''11. None of these apply to my project''' || Clears all optional forms. Only Forms 1, 1A, 1B, and 2A remain required.
|}

====Form 3:====
Although Form 3 may not show as required, the Society of Science recommends that '''EVERY''' project fills out this form. We recommend that too. So even if it doesn't show as required, its a good idea to fill it out anyway.

=Student's Replying to SRC Comments=

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-26T23:49:29Z

Anna:

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it under the '''Online Interactive''' tab.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Navigation Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-26T23:48:47Z

Anna:

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it under the '''Online Interactive''' tab.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Navigation Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

==Student's Replying to SRC Comments==

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-26T23:46:09Z

Anna: /* Answer the Form Wizard */

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-26T23:45:00Z

Anna: /* Answer the Form Wizard */

== Before You Start ==
* '''Know what your project uses:''' The wizard asks about human participants, vertebrate animals, biological agents, hazardous chemicals, and other controlled items. Know what your project uses to ensure you choose the correct forms.
* '''Gather adult contacts:''' Have the full name and email address of each adult who needs to sign a form (e.g., Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, Direct Supervisor).
* '''Read before signing:''' Plan time to thoroughly review each completed form prior to signing.

<blockquote>
'''Form Status Indicator Labels:'''
* '''Required (Red):''' Indicates the form must be completed and submitted for your project.
* '''File Not Required:''' Indicates the form is not needed based on your current wizard selections.
</blockquote>

;''Check out [http://ISEF.app ISEF.app] to be walked through the ISEF forms in a clear and easy way. Upload the completed forms from ISEF.app right into your zFairs account. Spanish version translated into English forms available!''

== Open ISEF Forms ==
Most students first see the ISEF forms during registration. The ISEF wizard is usually filled out at this time too. If you bypassed forms during registration,
# Log into your event. From the homepage, open '''Paperwork''' from the main menu and select your forms.
# Read any notes at the top to understand the page requirements.
# Click '''download forms''' if you want to download a complete PDF copy of the packet.

You can also access forms from your profile found by clicking your name in the menu, and scrolling down to "My Profile". You may need to enter into your entry to access your forms.

== Answer the Form Wizard ==
;For Paperwork Upload:
#From the homepage, click on your name and then on "My Profile".
#Find the ISEF Wizard tab and click on it.
#You can make edits to your wizard here to make your forms requirements change as needed.

[[File:Forms Wizard.png|400px]]

;For Forms Packet:
# Click '''Show Form Wizard''' to open the ''ISEF Forms 2027 Forms Wizard'' dialog.
# Check every statement that applies to your project. Leave all other options unchecked.
# If none of the specific items apply to your project, check '''None of these apply to my project'''.
#* ''Note: Selecting "None of these apply" automatically unchecks all other boxes. Selecting any specific box unchecks "None of these apply". You must select at least one option before saving.''
# Click '''Save & Close''' when your selections are accurate.
#* '''Save:''' Stores your answers while keeping the wizard window open.
#* '''Close:''' Exits the window without saving recent changes.

== Required Forms & Wizard Logic ==

=== Always Required Forms ===
The following core forms are required for every project and cannot be disabled by the wizard:
* '''Form 1:''' Adult Sponsor Checklist
* '''Form 1A:''' Student Checklist
* '''Form 1B:''' Approval Form
* '''Form 2A:''' Student Support Disclosure Form

''Note: Form 3 (Risk Assessment) and the ISEF Sample Abstract and Certification stay on the main list and are not automatically assigned a red Required tag.''

=== Wizard Logic & Form Requirements ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Wizard Selection !! Required Forms Added
|-
| '''1. Continuation or progression from previous year''' || '''Form 7:''' Continuation or Research Progression Projects
|-
| '''2. Use of humans (including self and/or teammates)''' || '''Form 4:''' Human Participant<br/>'''Form 4:''' Sample Informed Consent<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''3. Use of vertebrate animals''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>'''Form 5A:''' Vertebrate Animal (for non-regulated research site)<br/>'''Form 5B:''' Vertebrate Animal (for regulated research institution)
|-
| '''4. Conducted in regulated research institution, industrial setting, or non-home/school/field site''' || '''Form 2C:''' Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting<br/>''Note: If vertebrate animals is also checked, Form 5B is required instead of Form 5A.''
|-
| '''5. Potentially hazardous biological agents: Microorganisms''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''6. Potentially hazardous biological agents: rDNA''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''7. Human and/or vertebrate animal tissue''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''8. Frozen tissue, cell cultures/lines, blood, body fluids''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>''Note: Student blood research is only permitted if a medical professional handles the blood and provides the data.''
|-
| '''9. Hazardous chemicals, activities, and/or devices''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''10. DEA-controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco, prescription/all drugs)''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''11. None of these apply to my project''' || Clears all optional forms. Only Forms 1, 1A, 1B, and 2A remain required.
|}

====Form 3:====
Although Form 3 may not show as required, the Society of Science recommends that '''EVERY''' project fills out this form. We recommend that too. So even if it doesn't show as required, its a good idea to fill it out anyway.

ISEF Forms Wizard

2026-10-26T23:43:58Z

Anna: /* Answer the Form Wizard */

== Before You Start ==
* '''Know what your project uses:''' The wizard asks about human participants, vertebrate animals, biological agents, hazardous chemicals, and other controlled items. Know what your project uses to ensure you choose the correct forms.
* '''Gather adult contacts:''' Have the full name and email address of each adult who needs to sign a form (e.g., Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, Direct Supervisor).
* '''Read before signing:''' Plan time to thoroughly review each completed form prior to signing.

<blockquote>
'''Form Status Indicator Labels:'''
* '''Required (Red):''' Indicates the form must be completed and submitted for your project.
* '''File Not Required:''' Indicates the form is not needed based on your current wizard selections.
</blockquote>

;''Check out [http://ISEF.app ISEF.app] to be walked through the ISEF forms in a clear and easy way. Upload the completed forms from ISEF.app right into your zFairs account. Spanish version translated into English forms available!''

== Open ISEF Forms ==
Most students first see the ISEF forms during registration. The ISEF wizard is usually filled out at this time too. If you bypassed forms during registration,
# Log into your event. From the homepage, open '''Paperwork''' from the main menu and select your forms.
# Read any notes at the top to understand the page requirements.
# Click '''download forms''' if you want to download a complete PDF copy of the packet.

You can also access forms from your profile found by clicking your name in the menu, and scrolling down to "My Profile". You may need to enter into your entry to access your forms.

== Answer the Form Wizard ==
For Paperwork Upload:
#From the homepage, click on your name and then on "My Profile".
#Find the ISEF Wizard tab and click on it.
#You can make edits to your wizard here to make your forms requirements change as needed.

[[File:Forms Wizard.png|400px]]

Navigate to ISEF WIZARD to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

For Forms Packet:
# Click '''Show Form Wizard''' to open the ''ISEF Forms 2027 Forms Wizard'' dialog.
# Check every statement that applies to your project. Leave all other options unchecked.
# If none of the specific items apply to your project, check '''None of these apply to my project'''.
#* ''Note: Selecting "None of these apply" automatically unchecks all other boxes. Selecting any specific box unchecks "None of these apply". You must select at least one option before saving.''
# Click '''Save & Close''' when your selections are accurate.
#* '''Save:''' Stores your answers while keeping the wizard window open.
#* '''Close:''' Exits the window without saving recent changes.

== Required Forms & Wizard Logic ==

=== Always Required Forms ===
The following core forms are required for every project and cannot be disabled by the wizard:
* '''Form 1:''' Adult Sponsor Checklist
* '''Form 1A:''' Student Checklist
* '''Form 1B:''' Approval Form
* '''Form 2A:''' Student Support Disclosure Form

''Note: Form 3 (Risk Assessment) and the ISEF Sample Abstract and Certification stay on the main list and are not automatically assigned a red Required tag.''

=== Wizard Logic & Form Requirements ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Wizard Selection !! Required Forms Added
|-
| '''1. Continuation or progression from previous year''' || '''Form 7:''' Continuation or Research Progression Projects
|-
| '''2. Use of humans (including self and/or teammates)''' || '''Form 4:''' Human Participant<br/>'''Form 4:''' Sample Informed Consent<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''3. Use of vertebrate animals''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>'''Form 5A:''' Vertebrate Animal (for non-regulated research site)<br/>'''Form 5B:''' Vertebrate Animal (for regulated research institution)
|-
| '''4. Conducted in regulated research institution, industrial setting, or non-home/school/field site''' || '''Form 2C:''' Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting<br/>''Note: If vertebrate animals is also checked, Form 5B is required instead of Form 5A.''
|-
| '''5. Potentially hazardous biological agents: Microorganisms''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''6. Potentially hazardous biological agents: rDNA''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''7. Human and/or vertebrate animal tissue''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''8. Frozen tissue, cell cultures/lines, blood, body fluids''' || '''Form 6A:''' Hazardous Biological Agents<br/>'''Form 6B:''' Human or Vertebrate Animal Tissue<br/>'''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist<br/>''Note: Student blood research is only permitted if a medical professional handles the blood and provides the data.''
|-
| '''9. Hazardous chemicals, activities, and/or devices''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''10. DEA-controlled substances (alcohol, tobacco, prescription/all drugs)''' || '''Form 2B:''' Qualified Scientist
|-
| '''11. None of these apply to my project''' || Clears all optional forms. Only Forms 1, 1A, 1B, and 2A remain required.
|}

====Form 3:====
Although Form 3 may not show as required, the Society of Science recommends that '''EVERY''' project fills out this form. We recommend that too. So even if it doesn't show as required, its a good idea to fill it out anyway.

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-26T23:42:27Z

Anna:

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to ISEF to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it under the '''Online Interactive''' tab.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Navigation Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-165822.PNG]]

===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261020-171753.PNG]]

==Student's Replying to SRC Comments==

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]

File:Forms Wizard.png

2026-10-26T23:40:02Z

Anna:

Forms and Paperwork (Participants, Parents, and Teachers)

2026-10-26T23:39:41Z

Anna: /* Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures) */

;FORMS DO NOT NEED TO BE SUBMITTED IN ORDER TO FINISH REGISTRATION!!

There are three types of forms/paperwork submissions in zFairs.
* Paperwork Uploads
* Form Packets (Interactive/E-Sign)
* Hold Harmless and Media Release (Auto Send)

This will guide you through all three and what participants, parents, and teachers need to do to get these signed and submitted.

=Paperwork Upload=

Your fair may opt to have you collect wet signatures and upload them into your entry (some events may also utilize Paperwork Upload for additional entry submissions). If your screen matches the image below, follow these steps:
:[[File:ClipCapIt-261019-132346.PNG|Thumb|Paperwork Upload Page]]
=== How to Upload a Form ===
# (Optional) Run the ISEF Wizard: If your event is ISEF-affiliated, fill out the wizard first to determine which forms are required for your project. ''Navigate to [[ISEF Forms Wizard]] to learn more about how the wizard works.''
# Get Form Templates: Click "Download Template" to open a template. Fill in any electronic fields, print the form, and gather all required physical signatures before uploading.
# Select Your Form: Choose the specific form you wish to upload from the menu on the left side of the page.
# Select Your File: Click "Choose PDF or Image" to browse and select your file (''supported file types include PDF, PNG, JPEG, DOC, etc.).''
# Preview Document: Check the document preview that appears below to verify everything is legible and complete.
# Upload: Click "Upload" to submit your form to zFairs.

* '''Note on Registration''': You can click "Save and Continue" to bypass this step and complete registration first. To return later, click "Paperwork" in your main navigation menu.

=Forms Packet/Interactive Forms (E-Signatures)=
[[File:Form Packet Page.png|400px]]

Note: the name of the packet will vary, but the layout of the form "boxes" will look the same.
=== Forms Wizard===
If your forms have a wizard, you will be prompted to fill this out first, BEFORE you receive any forms. The wizard will control which forms you see and may also mark which forms are required.

# Read through the wizard and check the box next to any statements that are TRUE for you.
# Click Save and Continue.
# If you don't see the correct forms, or you don't see all the forms you think you should have, Click on "Show Form Wizard" and you can resubmit your answers.

=== Fill Out a Form ===
# Click on any form title to open it under the '''Online Interactive''' tab.
# Type your responses directly into the blue form fields.
# Clicking on Pink fields will prompt you to gather a signature.
# Form Navigation Buttons:
#* '''Save:''' Stores your inputs and leaves the form open.
#* '''Save & Close:''' Stores your inputs and returns to the form overview page.
#* '''Close / Back:''' Returns to the form list (unsaved changes will be lost unless saved first).
#* '''Download:''' Downloads a copy of the single open form.

=== Viewing Hidden Forms ===
* Click '''Show Hidden Files''' to view forms marked ''File Not Required''.
* Click '''Hide Hidden Files''' to collapse the view back to active forms.
* ''Note: If you have already begun filling out a form, it remains visible on your main page even if wizard updates mark it as File Not Required.''

== Sign a Form ==

=== Student E-Signature ===
# Click '''Sign''' on your signature line.
# In the ''Signers Information'' window, verify your name, initials, and email address (optional: enter cell phone number for text notifications).
# Check the box: ''"I understand that this is my electronic signature and is binding."''
# Click '''I Agree & Start Signing'''.
# Complete all designated signature lines, then click '''Submit'''.

=== Requesting External Signatures ===
# Click '''Sign''' on an adult signee line to open the ''Sign Request'' dialog.
# Choose the delivery method: '''Email''', '''Text Message''', or '''Link'''.
# Enter the recipient's email address or cell phone number.
# Keep the `[LINK]` tag intact inside the message text box (it automatically generates the recipient's secure sign link).
# Click Request/Send.

If you have ISEF forms, an SRC signature requests a signature internally. This window asks if you are ready to submit the form to the SRC chair. Click Request/Send to notify the SRC of the signature request.

;'''ISEF FORMS AND WIZARD'''

Navigate to ISEF WIZARD to learn more about ISEF Forms and filling out the wizard.

=Release Forms=

Release Forms may be automatically sent to Parents after their student/child participant has registered for their event. These forms are a Media Release and/or a Hold Harmless form.

Participants will need to enter in a viable email address for parents during their registration for the forms to be sent automatically.

Participants will not see these forms during their registration, but they have access to resend/copy the signing link in the MISC. tab found in their profile.

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===Signing Instructions for Parents===

# Open the email from NoReply@zfairs.com and click on the link to open the form. (''Look in your SPAM folder if you do not see it in your inbox. Also, be sure to add NoReply@zfairs.com to your contacts to ensure you receive all communications from this event.'')
# The page shows the form title and your child's name at the top.
# Read the form before you sign.
# A media release asks this question:
#* '''Do you give permission for us to release photos, video footage, and comments relative to my child's participation?'''
#* A hold harmless form does not include this question.
# After reading through the form, scroll down to '''Signers Information - Parent / Guardian'''.
# Enter your first name, last name, and email. You may be asked to confirm your email address by entering in a code that was emailed to you. Enter in the code to confirm.
#* Choose '''YES, I give my permission''' to allow the release.
#* Leave '''NO, I do not give permission''' selected to refuse the release.
# Type your FULL name as it prompts you to in the '''Signature''' field.
# Click '''Sign'''.
# You can see confirmation that the form was signed at the bottom of the form. You can now close the window.
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==Student's Replying to SRC Comments==

;In Paperwork Upload:
If this is set up for your event, you will see a Comments section right below where you upload forms. Below that, you will see a Reply section. Type in any questions or comments you may have about the paperwork and the SRC and Paperwork reviewers will see it.

[[File:Comments paperwork.png|400px]]

;In Forms Packet:
If this is set up for your event, on the form area, if the reviewer made a comment, you will see a notification. Click into the form, then on the Comments tab to be able to read the comment and reply back if needed.

:[[File:comments box packets.png]]
:[[File:comments box forms 2.png|400px]]