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 addresses | ”Assistant email” | |
| Phone | Phone numbers | ”Vacation home phone” |
| URL | Web links | ”LinkedIn profile” |
Create a custom field
1
Go to settings
Navigate to Settings → Book → Custom fields.
2
Select record type
Choose which record type (clients, people, etc.).
3
Click Create field
Click Create custom field.
4
Configure the field
Set:
- Field name
- Field type
- Options (for dropdowns)
- Required or optional
5
Save
Click Save to create the field.
View custom fields
On records
Custom fields appear in a dedicated section on each record:1
Open a record
Navigate to a client, contact, etc.
2
Find custom fields
Look for the “Custom Fields” section or scroll down.
3
View values
See all custom field values for this record.
In lists
Add custom fields as columns:1
Go to list view
Open Clients, Contacts, etc.
2
Click Columns
Click the columns selector.
3
Add custom fields
Check the custom fields to display.
Edit custom fields
Edit field configuration
1
Go to custom fields
Navigate to Settings → Book → Custom fields.
2
Find the field
Locate the field to edit.
3
Click Edit
Click the edit icon.
4
Make changes
Update name, options, etc.
5
Save
Click Save to apply changes.
Edit values on records
1
Open the record
Navigate to the client, contact, etc.
2
Find custom fields
Locate the custom fields section.
3
Click Edit
Click edit or the field value.
4
Enter value
Update the field value.
5
Save
Save the record.
Delete custom fields
1
Go to custom fields
Navigate to custom field settings.
2
Find the field
Locate the field to delete.
3
Click Delete
Click the delete icon.
4
Confirm
Type the field name to confirm deletion.
Filter by custom fields
Use custom fields in filters:1
Open the list
Go to Clients, Contacts, etc.
2
Click Filter
Open the filter panel.
3
Add custom field filter
Find your custom field in the filter options.
4
Set criteria
Define the filter condition.
5
Apply
View filtered results.
Import custom field values
When importing via CSV:1
Include column
Add a column for the custom field in your CSV.
2
Upload file
Import the CSV as usual.
3
Map to custom field
In field mapping, select the custom field.
4
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