Understand form fields
Understanding the difference between Custom fields and Questions will help you design a form that stores data in the right place.
Custom fields
The term Custom fields is used to describe fields that are defined in your database. You can create your own custom fields for any information you want to keep that will not fit into any of the standard fields. Custom fields are defined under Settings > Custom fields in the main toolbar. Once created they are available throughout the contact database and they are available to display on forms.
Any information submitted into Custom fields will be saved directly in the Contact record. This information is then available to use as filter criteria in Segments.
Questions
Unlike Fields, Questions are defined on each individual form and cannot be shared across forms. The key difference between Fields and Questions is that information submitted into Questions is not stored in the contact record. Instead, it is stored in the form submission. Questions are therefore useful for gathering information that you only need temporarily in order to deal with, for example, an enquiry, booking or applications.
Example Custom fields for people
- The region a person lives or works in
- A person's date of birth
- A person's professional qualification
- A person's medical condition
Example Custom fields for organisations
- An organisation's industry/sector
- An organisation's turnover or team size
- A company or registered charity number
Example Questions
- Which seminar will you attend in the morning?
- Do you consent to having your photo taken at the event?
- Do you have any dietary requirements?
- Would you like to enter the prize draw?
- How often can you volunteer?
- Would you recommend others to go on this course?
- How satisfied were you with the service?
Knowing whether to use Custom fields or Questions
If you're unsure about which to use, send us a message and we'll help you.