Editing Custom contact field overview (section)

== Custom Contact Field Overview ==

ActiveCampaign provides default fields for storing information about your contacts. In addition to these standard fields, you can utilize '''custom contact fields''' to collect additional information that is important to your business. This feature not only allows you to categorize and manage contact data more effectively but also enhances the personalization of your communications, ultimately improving your relationship with each contact.

=== Importance of Custom Contact Fields ===
Using custom contact fields helps you and your team better understand each contact in your account. This enhanced understanding can lead to more tailored campaigns and marketing strategies based on the insights garnered from this additional data.

=== How to Access This Feature ===
To access the '''custom contact fields''' functionality:
1. Navigate to the '''Contacts''' section in your ActiveCampaign dashboard.
2. Click on the '''Fields''' tab to reach the '''Manage Fields''' page.

=== Step-by-Step Instructions ===

==== Creating a Field Group ====
Field groups help organize your custom fields. Here’s how to create one:
1. Click '''Contacts''' > '''Fields'''.
2. Click the '''Contacts''' tab on the Manage Fields page.
3. Click the '''Add Group''' button.
4. A modal window will appear. Type the name of the group into the provided field.
5. Click the '''Create''' button.

The new field group will appear at the bottom of the Manage Fields page.

==== Creating a Custom Contact Field ====
You can create an unlimited number of custom fields organized by field group. Here’s how to create a custom contact field:
1. Click '''Contacts''' > '''Fields'''.
2. Click the '''Contacts''' tab.
3. Click the '''Add Field''' button.
4. An '''Add Field''' modal will open. Type the field name into the provided field.
5. Select the desired '''Group''' from the dropdown.
6. Choose the desired '''Field Type''' from the dropdown:
   - '''Text input'''
   - '''Text area'''
   - '''Date'''
   - '''Drop-down menu'''
   - '''List box'''
   - '''Radio buttons'''
   - '''Check box(es)'''
   - '''Hidden field'''
7. Click the '''Add''' button.

==== Updating a Custom Contact Field Value ====
Custom contact field values can be updated in several ways:
- Manually on the contact profile page.
- Through form submissions.
- Importing CSV files.
- Using the bulk editor.
- Via the '''Update contact''' automation action.
- Through API integrations.

==== Editing or Deleting a Custom Contact Field ====
To edit a custom field:
1. Go to the '''Manage Fields''' page.
2. Select the field you want to edit.
3. You can change:
   - Field name
   - Personalization tag
   - Group
   - Answer options (for dropdown, list box, etc.)
   - Default value
   - Visibility on forms
   - List assignments
4. Related discussions regarding editing can be found in the context of specific documentation.

To delete a custom field:
1. Go to the '''Manage Fields''' page.
2. Find the field to delete.
3. Click the trash icon.
4. Follow the confirmation prompts to ensure the deletion.

=== Configuration Options and Settings ===
Custom fields can contain various types according to the business needs:
- '''Text input''': Short text entries.
- '''Text area''': Longer responses, potentially multi-line.
- '''Date''': Specific date formats for events or birthdays.
- '''Drop-down menu''': Predefined options for selection.
- '''List box''': Multiple available selections.
- '''Radio buttons''': A choice of one option from a predefined list.
- '''Check box(es)''': Multiple options selection from a list.
- '''Hidden field''': Information that is not visible to contacts.

Each custom field can be assigned to a specific '''field group''', making management straightforward.

=== Best Practices and Tips ===
- Use descriptive names for custom fields to help identify their purpose.
- Regularly review and clean up fields that are no longer used to keep your contact database organized.
- Ensure that the visibility settings for fields align with your data privacy policies and regulatory compliance.
- Utilize '''personalization tags''' in your communications to leverage the information you've collected through custom fields, enhancing engagement rates.

=== Common Use Cases ===
- Collecting birth dates for personalized birthday emails.
- Creating a field to gather customer preferences for better-targeted marketing.
- Using a custom field for event registration information.

=== Troubleshooting ===
If you encounter issues while creating or managing custom fields, consider the following:
- Ensure you have the required permissions as an admin or have been granted access.
- Double-check the format of any date or selected option fields during data entry or import.
- If fields are not displaying correctly in forms, inspect the form settings to ensure they are enabled for display.

=== FAQ ===
'''Q1: Can I create multiple custom contact fields?'''
A1: Yes, you can create an unlimited number of custom contact fields.

'''Q2: How do I update a custom field value?'''
A2: You can update a custom field value manually, through form submissions, CSV imports, bulk editor actions, or via automation.

'''Q3: What types of custom fields can I create?'''
A3: Available types include text input, text area, date, drop-down menu, list box, radio buttons, check box(es), and hidden fields.

'''Q4: Is it possible to delete a custom contact field?'''
A4: Yes, but be aware that deleting a field will also remove all data contained in it from your contacts.

'''Q5: Can I use custom fields for email personalization?'''
A5: Absolutely! Custom fields allow you to create personalization tags to enhance your communication with contacts.

'''Q6: What happens to a custom field if automation or campaign uses it?'''
A6: If you delete a custom field that is used in an automation or campaign, it will be removed from those instances as well.

'''Q7: Can I move standard deal fields into custom field groups?'''
A7: No, standard deal fields will remain under the '''General Details''' field group.

For more detailed insights and assistance, refer to the relevant sections within the ActiveCampaign help documentation.
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