Custom Fields allow you to store data about your contacts and then report and segment based on that data. Contact record data may be in the original Contact record, Custom Fields that you have defined, or event data based on information tracked from Contact interactions with your email messages.
Custom fields allow you to extend the database to store data associated with your contacts. The data stored within the custom fields can be used to segment a mailing list and personalize message content to ensure your message is going to your target audience.
The platform supports six custom field data types, allowing you to choose a data type that best matches your intended use and the type of data you plan to store. Custom fields support the following types:
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Number |
An integer from –2147483648 to 2147483647 This type supports numeric characters and the negative '–' symbol only. Commas, periods or other modifiers cannot be used. Leading 0's are also not supported and are dropped when the value is saved. |
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Float |
A decimal value number. This type supports numeric characters, the decimal '.' and negative '–' symbol only. Commas or other modifiers cannot be used. Leading 0's are also not supported and are dropped when the value is saved. |
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Date |
A date in the format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS |
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Text |
Any combination of up to 512 characters. |
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Large Text |
Any combination of any number of characters. This type cannot be used with segmentation. |
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Unicode Text |
Any combination of up to 512 characters, including UNICODE characters. This type cannot be used with segmentation. |
The difference between Text and Large Text fields is the size of the data stored and the ability to segment on the data. While Text Fields are limited to 512 alphanumeric characters, Large Text fields have no data limitation. However, unlike Text fields, Large Text fields cannot be used with Segmentation rules.
Accessing Custom Fields
Custom Fields are defined in the Contacts menu with the other Contact management functions. To access Custom Fields, go to Contacts > View Custom Fields. This will open the Custom Fields page. From here you can choose to:
- Add a new Custom Field
- Edit an existing Custom Field
- Delete a Custom Field
- View Statistics for Custom Fields
The Custom Fields page displays a list of the fields defined in the realm, and includes the following details for each field definition:
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Field Name |
The name of the Custom Field. |
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Field Type |
The type of data stored in the field: number, float, date, text, large text, or Unicode text. |
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Description |
A short description of the field or its purpose. |
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Stats |
Click the chart icon to view the statistics collected for the field. |
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Delete |
Click the delete icon to remove the custom field. |
You may sort the data in any of the columns by clicking the column header.