Custom fields will have different configurations based on the type of data stored. This article will focus on one of the four types of custom fields:
- Fields that store free-text values
- Fields that store a single value from a prompt list
- Fields that store multiple values from a prompt list
- Fields that store a yes/no value
Before configuring custom fields, consider the data being captured and how you will use it throughout Slate.
Create Multiple Values Prompt List Fields
To create a field that stores multiple values:
1. Click the Database icon in the main navigation and select Fields. | |
2. Click New Field. The New Field popup appears. Configure at least the following:
|
Replace vs. Append
You can collect information for a field that stores multiple values. Data can come into this field from various sources (e.g., an inquiry form, an event registration form, or uploaded data). Carefully consider how a field should save data when new information is submitted. For example, an academic interests field can have the following values stored for a record:
Academic Interests | Biology |
English | |
Theatre |
If the field is configured to 'Replace existing values upon form submission or dataset import', new data that comes into this field from a form submission or a dataset upload will delete any existing values and save only the most recently submitted or uploaded values:
Academic Interests | ||
Form Submission | ||
Academic Interests | ||
Biology | Biology | |
Chemistry | Chemistry | |
Sociology | Sociology |
If the field is configured to 'Append to existing values upon form submission or dataset import', new data that comes into this field from a form submission or a dataset upload will preserve any existing values and add new values upon form submission or source import:
Academic Interests | Biology | Form Submission |
Chemistry | Academic Interests | |
English | Biology | |
Sociology | Chemistry | |
Theatre | Sociology |
Single Value Field?
Custom fields configured to store a single value will always replace the value with the most recently submitted or uploaded data.
Important!
You should never change the following settings after a field is in use:
- Scope
- ID
- Prompt
- Value
Changes to any of these can result in inconsistent and inaccurate data.