How do I create a custom field?

You create custom fields that retain changes to the database using Application Composer. Custom fields that you create in VB Studio are read only.

This example shows you how to create a custom field using Application Composer.

We'll create a new field for the Case Contact object. Say you want to extend this object with a custom field that's specific to your business needs. In addition to creating the custom field in Application Composer, you will also need to add the custom field to the appropriate layout which is described in the following section. When both of these steps are performed, then the new field can be exposed in the My Cases List page. You might also want to make the content entered into this custom field searchable. Here's how you do it:

Note: You will need to create and activate a sandbox to perform this task. Use the same sandbox used for this task when you add the field in VB Studio, which is described in the next task.

1. Sign in to your application as an administrator.
2. Click Navigator > Configuration > Application Composer.
3. Expand the Standard Objects list, then expand the Cases object node.
4. Click Fields.
5. On the Fields screen, click the Custom tab, then click the Action drop-down list and select Create.
6. Select Text because for this example, we'll just create a text field.
7. Click OK.
8. In the Create Text Field screen enter the field name into the Display Label field.

   The Display Label field displays the field name in the UI. The Name field autofills after you complete the display label, and is only for internal use. It won't be displayed in your UI.

9. Choose the number of characters you want to allow in the new text field.

   The default number of characters is 30, but you can set it for less or for more.

10. If you want the field to be searchable, select the Searchable check box in the Constraints area.
11. Click Save and Close.
12. To add the field in VB Studio, follow the steps in the next procedure.