> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.deepfield-ai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Send participants to an external task

> Configure an external tool, return participants to the study, and record its outcome as an answer.

An external task sends a participant to another tool and records the outcome when that tool returns them to DeepField. Agree the destination, return link and result values with the tool provider before collecting responses.

## Configure the destination and return

**1. Create the task**

Choose the External task format. Write the instruction participants need and define the possible **Outcomes**. The stored answer is one choice from these outcomes.

**2. Set the tool link**

Open **Tool link** and enter **Where respondents go**. Use **Insert variable** for supported participant values and the return address. Include the generated return link in the parameter the external tool expects.

**3. Map the result**

Under **How the tool reports the result**, set the result parameter and the value the tool sends for each outcome. Each outcome needs a distinct value. Choose **If no result comes back** deliberately.

**4. Save and test both directions**

Follow a participant test to the actual tool and return using its configured address. Inspect the outcome stored in Responses and test any rules that read it.

The tool must preserve the supplied signed return address or token. A normal link to the study is not the return address for that task. The parameter names `ret` and `lang` are reserved for the return flow and cannot name the result.

## Verify all outcomes

Test every mapped result, an absent or unrecognized result, and a task that the participant leaves unfinished. If the returned result matches no outcome, the configured default is recorded; without a selected default, the first outcome is used. Put a meaningful fallback first or select it explicitly.

Check the participant's language and identifiers after return. Inspect the actual recorded answer before using completion of the external tool as a routing or screening condition. Keep personal values in the tool URL limited to those your workflow needs.

![Set the external link, return address and fallback outcome together.](https://mintcdn.com/deepfieldai/dXwxAZySujI3sywX/images/building-your-study/external-task.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=dXwxAZySujI3sywX\&q=85\&s=a57c7164c53b57afcf6bcf924b98673b)

Set the external link, return address and fallback outcome together.

## Related

* [Choose a question type](https://support.deepfield-ai.com/building-your-study/question-types.md)
* [Configure conditions and routing](https://support.deepfield-ai.com/building-your-study/advanced-logic.md)
* [Test and publish a study](https://support.deepfield-ai.com/recruiting/testing-publishing.md)
* [Monitor responses](https://support.deepfield-ai.com/responses/monitoring-responses.md)


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