> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.memberply.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.memberply.com/membership-applications/set-up-an-application-program.md).

# Set up an application program

An application program controls who can apply for a membership tier and what information they must provide. Create different programs when different customer groups need different questions, approval rules, or membership benefits.

## Before you begin

Create the Memberply membership tier that approved applicants will receive. The connected tier can be:

* Free
* Monthly
* Annual
* One-time payment

For a paid tier, the applicant pays only after approval.

## Create the program

1. In Memberply, open **Applications** under **Membership**.
2. Select **Application Forms**.
3. Select **New Application Form**.
4. On the **Details** tab, enter a name that helps your team identify the program, such as `Trade account applications` or `Interior designer program`.
5. Select the membership tier approved applicants can access.
6. Optionally enter the number of days an approval remains valid. Leave this blank when approval should not expire.
7. For a paid tier, optionally set the **Scheduled open enrollment** start and end dates. During these dates, customers can purchase the same tier without an approved application.
8. Add introductory content that explains who should apply and what evidence is required.
9. Add the confirmation shown in the storefront immediately after submission. This is separate from the submission received email.
10. Optionally enable **Email the store when an application is submitted**. Memberply sends the notification to the store contact email shown on the page.

Submission notifications include the application form name, applicant email, and business name when available. Replying to the notification addresses the applicant. Sign in to Memberply and open **Applications > Inbox** to review the full submission.

## Build the application form

Every form requires an email field. Add the other fields your team needs to make an approval decision.

Select the **Form Builder** tab to add and arrange fields. Each field is shown as a compact row. Select a row to edit its label, type, mapping, placeholder, help text, and available answers.

Available field types include:

* Short text and long text
* Email and phone
* Website URL
* Address, city, state, postcode, and country
* Single select and radio buttons
* Checkbox groups
* Consent checkbox
* Australian Business Number for Australian stores

For each field:

1. Enter the customer-facing label.
2. Choose the field type.
3. Review the customer data mapping. Memberply automatically maps field types with an obvious meaning, including email, phone, website, city, state, postcode, country, and Australian Business Number. Choose an optional mapping for ambiguous text and address fields, such as first name, business name, business description, or address line 2.
4. Choose whether the field is required.
5. Optionally add placeholder text and help text.
6. Add the available answers for select, radio, or checkbox fields.
7. Move the field into the correct position.

Useful questions can include:

* Business name and business number
* Contact name, job title, email, and phone
* Website or portfolio
* Trading address and service area
* Industry or profession
* Products of interest
* Expected order frequency or annual purchasing range
* Description of the business and intended use
* Agreement to program terms

## Duplicate an existing form

When several membership tiers need similar application questions, duplicate an existing form instead of rebuilding it.

1. Open **Applications > Application Forms**.
2. Select **Duplicate** on the form you want to copy.
3. Enter a name for the new form.
4. Choose the membership tier that approved applicants should receive.
5. Select **Duplicate form**.

Memberply opens the new draft so you can review and adjust it before publishing. The form fields, introductory copy, confirmation copy, notification setting, business verification setting, and approval expiry are copied.

The duplicate receives a new storefront program ID and does not include previous submissions. Application emails and scheduled open enrollment dates are not copied. Review and test the new form's emails, then configure open enrollment separately when the destination tier needs it.

## Save, test, and publish

1. Save the program.
2. Copy the **Storefront program ID** from the setup panel near the top of the editor. You can use **Copy ID**.
3. Select the **Emails** tab, then review and test each application email.
4. Publish the program.
5. Select **Open Shopify theme editor** in Memberply, or in Shopify admin open **Online Store > Themes > Customize**.
6. Open or create the page where customers should apply.
7. Add the **Membership application** app block.
8. Paste the program ID into the block settings.
9. Customize the heading, button, messages, and colors.
10. Save the theme and submit a test application.

Only published programs accept new applications. Editing a published form creates a new form version, so previously submitted answers remain associated with the questions shown to that applicant.

For a paid application tier, add Memberply's **Subscription Details** app block to the membership product template as well. When approval is required, the block disables the product's purchase buttons and explains that the customer must submit an application and receive approval before purchasing. A signed-in customer with a pending application sees **Application pending**. Once approved, the standard purchase buttons become available and Memberply attaches the approval to the cart automatically. During scheduled open enrollment, the standard purchase buttons remain available without approval.

Next, learn how to [review and approve applicants](/membership-applications/review-and-approve-applicants.md).