Text fields are used to capture simple text strings like names and titles. Every new Table contains a default text field called "Title" which serves as the primary field for the Table. This serves as the unique identifier for each record.
Note: Text fields can have up to 500 characters but can be limited to shorter.
Adding a Text field
From Grid View
From Grid View
Click the + menu icon after the last column header or open the Column Menu by clicking on a column header's dropdown icon and then select "Add Field to the Right."
Select "Text" from the list and a window will open to configure the field.
From Record View
From Record View
The fastest way to add a field from an open Record View to is simply click the + sign next to a current field to add a new field below.
See a Text field being added in Edit Record View below:
Customizing the field
You can alter the specifications for each text field in two ways:
Require Entries to be Unique
This is used to avoid data duplication and is a requirement when using a Text field as a Tables's Primary Field (SmartSuite's default setting for new Tables)
Require an Entry
Typically used to capture key information and maintain quality data. It's also required when using the Text field as a Primary Field.
Select the Text Field dropdown, Modify Field Settings, and check or uncheck the previous options to meet your preference.
Check out quick articles on Setting Default Field Values and Adding Help Text to fields.
Working with Text Fields
Let's use Project Management as a use case.
Use the View (Reporting) Toolbar to:
Filter fields to find specific, related, or empty Title fields.
Search for any text field Project Task using "Find."
Examples of Use
Text fields capture simple text in variable scenarios. In a Sales CRM solution, you may want to require adding a client's title and make note of the names of their children in another field.
Changing Text Field to Any Other Field Type
If you create a text field but later decide that you actually want to convert it to another type, open the field's properties and click on the colored bar that contains the text field icon and the word Text. You will be presented with a dropdown list that allows you to convert to any field type.
Warning: Converting your text field to another type may result in loss of data. Please use caution when choosing another field type.