Insert Contact Field Value

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How do I insert the value of one contact field into another contact field?

The ability to insert the value of one contact field into another contact field is a valuable feature in ActiveCampaign. This function becomes essential when you want to manipulate your contact information for improved segmentation, personalization, or reporting. By copying field values, you can ensure that your data is organized efficiently, allowing for better marketing strategies.

There are two primary methods to copy the value from one field to another:

1. Using the Format Data automation action.
2. Exporting contacts, updating field values, and reimporting them.

This article will walk you through both methods in detail.

How to Access This Feature

This feature is accessible to users on the following ActiveCampaign plans:

• Starter
• Plus
• Professional
• Enterprise

To access the functionalities described, navigate to your ActiveCampaign account and locate your automation section, or go to the Contacts overview for export options.

Step-by-step Instructions

Method 1: Use the Format Data Automation Action

This method is available on Plus, Professional, and Enterprise plans.

1. From your automation, click on the (+) node where you want to add the action. 2. Click Workflow > Format Data. Alternatively, use the search field in the Add an Action window to locate this action. 3. Click the Copy field values option. 4. Click the From which field? dropdown and select the field you want to copy from. 5. Click the To which field? dropdown to select the field to which you want to copy the value. 6. Click Save when finished.

Method 2: Export then Reimport Your Contacts

This method can be used by all plans mentioned. Here’s how to execute it:

1. From the Contacts overview page, click the Export button at the top right. 2. The Export Options modal will appear. Type the name of the export into the field provided, select the fields you wish to include, and click Export.

  * Note: Avoid using special characters in the export name to ensure a correct CSV export.

3. The CSV file will begin to download immediately. Open the file and remove all fields except for the email address field and the field you wish to copy into a new contact field. 4. Click the Import button located on the Contacts Overview page. 5. Click the Import from file button. 6. A file browser will appear. Navigate to the file you wish to import and click it to select it. 7. On the import page, click the Map Into Field dropdown for the field you wish to import and then click [Add New Field]. 8. A modal window will prompt you to select the type of field you'd like to create. Click the field type, then click Next. 9. Give your field a name and provide answer options if applicable. 10. When finished, click Save. 11. Skip both the List Selection and Add Tags sections on the import page. 12. Click Update Existing Contacts and then click Import Now.

The value from your original contact field will now be added to your new contact field.

Configuration Options and Settings

While using the methods described, here are key configuration options to consider:

- The Format Data action provides five selectable options for handling field values, including the primary option we discussed: Copy field values. - Compatible field types that can be mapped include:

 * Text or Text Area to Text, Text Area, Date, etc.
 * Date to Date and Datetime (set to 12:00:00).
 * Dropdown to other selection type fields like Radio and Listbox.
 

Be aware that contacts will skip this automation action if: - They do not have a related Deal or Account record. - There is an incompatible input value for the field type being mapped.

Best Practices and Tips

- Before proceeding with either method, ensure you have full backups of your contact list to prevent loss of data. - When renaming your exported file, avoid special characters to ensure format compatibility. - Double-check field mappings before importing to avoid misaligned data. - Consider using automation to regularly update certain fields instead of manual exports and reimports.

Common Use Cases with Examples

- **Example 1**: A marketing team might want to copy a customer's subscription date from a Date field to a Text field for easier segmentation by subscription duration.

- **Example 2**: If you're maintaining a records field that includes contact preferences, you might utilize the automation feature to copy values from a dropdown choice to a listbox for better categorization.

Troubleshooting Section

- **Contacts Skip Automation**: If contacts are skipping the automation action, verify that they have related Deal or Account records associated. - **Incompatible Field Values**: Review that the input values match the compatible field types outlined earlier. - **Import Issues**: If the import fails, ensure there are no extra characters or misalignments in the CSV format.

Related Features

- Automation: Explore how to set up and manage automations in more detail. - Contact Fields: Review how to create and manage different types of contact fields. - Data Management: Understand data integrity in handling your contact list.

FAQ

1. Can I copy a field value between different types of fields?

Yes, but ensure that the field types are compatible; otherwise, the action will be skipped.

2. Will using the automation action affect existing data?

The automation action will overwrite existing data in the target field, so use it with caution.

3. Can I reverse the changes made after copying field values?

Once the data is copied, if you need to revert the changes, you will have to manually update or restore backups.

4. How can I ensure that my exported data is formatted correctly?

Always avoid using special characters, and restrict the export to relevant fields only.

5. Is there a limit on how many fields I can copy values to?

You can copy to multiple fields through individual actions, but there’s no bulk action for multiple field mappings at once.

6. What happens if I try to copy a value into a field that doesn't exist?

You will need to create a new field first if you are trying to map to one that is not currently set in your ActiveCampaign account.

7. Do I have to use both methods?

No, you can choose either method based on your specific needs and preferences.

For additional information on this feature, refer to the relevant articles in the ActiveCampaign knowledge base. ```