If you've been asked to use an access code to enter a competition, award, or open call — or you've paid for entries and can't find your codes — this article will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is an access code?
An access code is a unique key that unlocks a submission/entry form. Some organisations use them to control who can access their entry forms — so rather than the form being open to anyone, you need a code to get in.
There are two ways you might receive a code:
The organiser sends it to you directly — by email, or as part of an invitation.
You receive it automatically after completing a form — most commonly after making a payment.
I've paid for entries — where are my codes?
After a successful payment, your codes will appear in three places:
1. On screen, straight away As soon as your payment goes through, you'll see a confirmation screen showing all your codes and a Go to form button for each one. You can use these immediately. A useful tip is to click on each Go to form link immediately from this page so all forms load into your account.
2. In your email inbox A confirmation email will be sent to you containing your codes and direct links to each form. Check your inbox (and your spam folder if you can't find it).
3. In your Dapple account Sign in to your Dapple account here using the same email address you used to complete your entry/submission. If you didn't receive an email, check your spam box as a first step. Receiving an authentication error? Make sure you are following the link sent in the very last email.
Once successfully signed in, open the relevant submission which shows the entry fee payment you have just made. In the example below, 3 entries were purchased, and so there are 3 accompanying codes exist. Select this to reveal your codes.
After selecting, scroll down and your codes/links will be listed there under Form Access Codes, each with a Go to form button so you can access them at any time.
How do i track which codes/links have been used?
Once you start following your links, you will be able to track what has been started, in progress and complete. The different statuses will look like this:
Any links that have been followed but not completed will then show in your drafts section.
I've used a code - where does this show?
When a submission has been made and a code has been used, it will appear in the Submitted section of your account. In the details section, you will be able to the code that has been applied to that individual entry/submission.
Do I need to type the code in?
No. You don't need to type anything. When you click Go to form, the code is automatically applied to the link — you'll be taken straight into the entry form with everything already set up. Just click and go.
I have multiple codes — how do I use them?
If you've paid for more than one entry, you'll have a separate code for each one. Each code unlocks its own individual entry form, so you can work on each entry separately.
You don't need to complete them all at once. You can:
Open one entry, fill it in, and save it as a draft
Come back later to work on the others
Submit each entry individually when it's ready
Your codes will stay in your Dapple account until you've used them, so there's no rush to use them all at the same time.
I have a code from the organiser — how do I use it?
If an organiser has sent you a code directly, you'll need to enter it when you open the entry form. The form will prompt you to enter a code before you can proceed — just type it in exactly as it was sent to you and select Submit or Continue.
Once the code is accepted, you'll be taken straight into the form. If you return to the same form later while still logged into your Dapple account, you won't need to enter the code again — it will be remembered automatically.
My code isn't working
If you're getting an error when entering a code, check the following:
Check for typos — codes are case-sensitive in some cases. Copy and paste the code directly from your email if you can, rather than typing it manually.
Make sure you're logged in — you'll need to be signed into your Dapple account to use a code. If you're not logged in, you may be asked to sign in first.
Check the code hasn't already been used — each code can only be used once. If you've already started an entry with this code, look for your draft in your Dapple account rather than trying to enter the code again.
Contact the organiser — if none of the above applies, reach out to the organisation running the competition or open call. They'll be able to check the code on their end and reissue one if needed.
I can't find my codes
If you've completed a payment but can't locate your codes:
Check your email inbox (including spam) for a confirmation email from Dapple.
Sign in to your Dapple account here and look at your submissions — open the relevant entry and scroll down to Form Access Codes.
If you still can't find them, contact the organiser directly — they can see your submission and codes on their end and can resend or share the details with you.
I accidentally closed the confirmation screen — are my codes lost?
No. Your codes are saved to your Dapple account and sent to you by email. You haven't lost anything. Sign in to your account, find the relevant submission, and your codes will be there waiting for you.
Still stuck?
If you're still having trouble, the best first step is to contact the organisation running the programme you're applying to — they have access to your submission and can help resolve most issues directly.