Custom fields let you capture data that’s specific to your practice. Add fields for any information Slant doesn’t track by default—risk tolerance, preferred contact method, anniversary dates, or anything else you need.
What are custom fields?
Custom fields are additional data points you define. They appear on records alongside standard fields and can be:
- Filled in manually
- Imported via CSV
- Used in filters and searches
- Included in exports
Where custom fields appear
Custom fields can be added to:
| Record type | Example custom fields |
|---|
| Clients/Prospects | Risk tolerance, investment style, referral source |
| People | Preferred name, hobbies, dietary restrictions |
| Contacts | Specialty, years known, relationship strength |
| Tasks | Billable hours, complexity level |
Custom field types
Slant supports various field types:
| Type | Use for | Example |
|---|
| Text | Short text values | ”Preferred name” |
| Long text | Longer descriptions | ”Investment philosophy” |
| Number | Numeric values | ”Years as client” |
| Currency | Money amounts | ”Target AUM” |
| Date | Date values | ”Review date” |
| Dropdown | Single selection | ”Risk tolerance” |
| Multi-select | Multiple selections | ”Services used” |
| Checkbox | Yes/no values | ”Accredited investor” |
| Email | Email addresses | ”Assistant email” |
| Phone | Phone numbers | ”Vacation home phone” |
| URL | Web links | ”LinkedIn profile” |
Create a custom field
Go to settings
Navigate to Settings → Book → Custom fields.
Select record type
Choose which record type (clients, people, etc.).
Click Create field
Click Create custom field.
Configure the field
Set:
- Field name
- Field type
- Options (for dropdowns)
- Required or optional
Save
Click Save to create the field.
View custom fields
On records
Custom fields appear in a dedicated section on each record:
Open a record
Navigate to a client, contact, etc.
Find custom fields
Look for the “Custom Fields” section or scroll down.
View values
See all custom field values for this record.
In lists
Add custom fields as columns:
Go to list view
Open Clients, Contacts, etc.
Click Columns
Click the columns selector.
Add custom fields
Check the custom fields to display.
Edit custom fields
Edit field configuration
Go to custom fields
Navigate to Settings → Book → Custom fields.
Find the field
Locate the field to edit.
Click Edit
Click the edit icon.
Make changes
Update name, options, etc.
Save
Click Save to apply changes.
Edit values on records
Open the record
Navigate to the client, contact, etc.
Find custom fields
Locate the custom fields section.
Click Edit
Click edit or the field value.
Enter value
Update the field value.
Delete custom fields
Deleting a custom field removes all data stored in that field across all records. This cannot be undone.
Go to custom fields
Navigate to custom field settings.
Find the field
Locate the field to delete.
Click Delete
Click the delete icon.
Confirm
Type the field name to confirm deletion.
Filter by custom fields
Use custom fields in filters:
Open the list
Go to Clients, Contacts, etc.
Click Filter
Open the filter panel.
Add custom field filter
Find your custom field in the filter options.
Set criteria
Define the filter condition.
Apply
View filtered results.
Import custom field values
When importing via CSV:
Include column
Add a column for the custom field in your CSV.
Upload file
Import the CSV as usual.
Map to custom field
In field mapping, select the custom field.
Import
Values populate the custom field.
Export custom fields
Custom fields are automatically included in exports:
- Column header uses the field name
- All values are exported
- Works with all export formats
Best practices
Plan before creating
Think through your needs:
- What data do you need to capture?
- What type of field fits best?
- What will you do with the data?
Use clear names
Choose descriptive field names:
- ✓ “Primary Investment Goal”
- ✓ “Risk Tolerance (1-10)”
- ✗ “Field1”
- ✗ “Misc”
Limit required fields
Make fields required only when truly necessary:
- Too many required fields slow data entry
- Optional fields still get filled when relevant
- Required fields ensure consistency
Review periodically
Check your custom fields regularly:
- Are all fields being used?
- Should any be deleted?
- Do names still make sense?
Common use cases
Client segmentation
Fields for categorizing clients:
- Risk tolerance (Dropdown: Conservative, Moderate, Aggressive)
- Investment style (Multi-select: Growth, Income, Value)
- Accredited investor (Checkbox)
Relationship tracking
Fields for relationship details:
- Years as client (Number)
- How we met (Dropdown: Referral, Seminar, Web)
- Relationship strength (Dropdown: Strong, Medium, Weak)
Service tracking
Fields for services provided:
- Services used (Multi-select: Planning, Tax, Insurance)
- Annual review month (Dropdown: Jan-Dec)
- Billing type (Dropdown: AUM, Flat fee, Hourly)
Troubleshooting
Field not showing
Check:
- Field was created successfully
- You’re looking at the right record type
- Column is selected in list view
Can’t delete field
Verify:
- You have admin permissions
- Field isn’t protected
Import not mapping
Ensure:
- Column header matches exactly
- Custom field exists before importing
- Correct record type selected
Next steps
