form_init_example.py

gistfile1.txt

# This alters initial, but initial isn't actually used in the form displayed

def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
  super(UniversalForm, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
  self.fields['always_reps'].widget = SelectMultiple(choices=[(i.pk, i.full_appellation()) for i in Legislator.objects.all()])
  if self.instance.always_reps:
    self.initial = {'always_reps': self.instance.get_always_reps()}
 
# This gives me an error because I don't have access to self.instance before calling super

def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
  if self.instance.always_reps:
    self.initial = {'always_reps': self.instance.get_always_reps()}
  super(UniversalForm, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)
  self.fields['always_reps'].widget = SelectMultiple(choices=[(i.pk, i.full_appellation()) for i in Legislator.objects.all()])


    
    
    

instance will usually be passed into kwargs, you should look for it there and if it's not there, you will be dealing with creation rather than editing.