Fields that store multiple values from a prompt list

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:

  • Status
  • Scope Category
  • Scope 
  • ID
  • Name
  • Field Type
  • Prompt
  • Ordered - Leave the ordered setting as Unordered values. This field value should typically be set to Unordered values. Ordered values are used for fields grouped together using a replicate block.
  •  

Click here for a complete listing of all setting descriptions.

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 Biology  
  English  
  Theatre 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.

Was this article helpful?
3 out of 6 found this helpful