# htmx, include hidden input fields outside of a form

> Learn how to send extra data with htmx without a hidden input or a form by using the hx-vals attribute on a button to pass key-value pairs with the request.

Author: Flavio Copes | Published: 2023-12-21 | Canonical: https://flaviocopes.com/htmx-include-hidden-input-fields-outside-of-a-form/

Using htmx I had a list of items, think a list of tasks, with task text and more details, and inside this list a “delete button”.

I had the need of sending some information that you’d usually use a hidden input element for.

Something invisible to the user but essential for my app needs. 

But I couldn’t use a form for this, I just used a `button` element, because we can’t nest forms.

Turns our we can use the `hx-vals` attribute and pass a list of key-value pairs that are going to be added to the request just like a hidden input field would:

```html
<button hx-delete="/item/..." hx-vals='{"key": "value"}' hx-target="#response">
  Delete
</button>
```

If you find yourself juggling `hx-*` attributes like these, my free [htmx attribute builder](https://flaviocopes.com/tools/htmx-builder/) generates them from a simple form.