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Record Field Comments

Leave comments directly tied to specific fields within a record

Emma Montgomery avatar
Written by Emma Montgomery
Updated this week

Plan Availability

All plan types

Permissions

Solution Creators – Can add, view, and resolve field-level comments in records they have access to.

Related Reading

SmartSuite now offers Field-Level Comments in the Record Modal — a focused and intuitive way to collaborate on specific data points. This feature helps streamline feedback, boost clarity, and keep your communication context-rich.


What Are Field-Level Comments?

Field-Level Comments allow team members to leave comments directly tied to specific fields within a record. This helps:

  • Anchor conversations exactly where they're needed

  • Cut down on noise in longer discussions

  • Improve the traceability of decisions


Key Features

  • Clean Interface: Comment icon appears only when hovering over a field (unless comments already exist).

  • Persistent Indicators: Fields with comments show a visible icon and counter.

  • Focused Mode: Clicking the icon opens a dedicated view for that field's comments.

  • Real-Time Updates: Counters update immediately as comments are added or resolved.

  • Contextual Headers: Each thread shows which field it's linked to.

  • Jump-to-Field Navigation: Clicking a field name in general comments jumps to the related field and reopens its discussion.


How to Use Field-Level Comments

1. Hover to Reveal the Icon

  • Move your cursor over a field in the record.

  • If no comments exist, the comment icon appears.

  • If comments are present, the icon is always visible.

2. Enter Field Comment Mode

  • Click the comment icon to open a focused view just for that field.


3. View or Add Comments

  • See the discussion history for the field.

  • Add your comment or reply to an ongoing thread.


4. Exit Comment Mode

  • Click outside the comment panel or switch views to return to the full record comment interface.

5. Jump from General Comments

  • In the general comments view, click a field name to scroll directly to that field and open its comment thread.


Best Practices

  • Use comments to ask questions, give feedback, or track decisions.

  • Resolve threads once feedback is addressed to maintain clarity.

  • @Mention specific teammates to get quick input on data.


Use Case Scenarios

Departmental Collaboration

Scenario: The HR team wants feedback on job descriptions.
Solution: Team members comment on the "Job Summary" or "Requirements" fields to provide targeted input.

Data Quality Review

Scenario: A data analyst spots inconsistencies in financial entries.
Solution: Comments are left directly on the "Amount" field to flag and discuss specific issues.

Project Approval Workflows

Scenario: Managers need to review and approve specific project details.
Solution: Each reviewer adds comments to fields like "Budget" or "Timeline" to ensure accuracy and alignment.

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