Learn how to change a field's type in SmartSuite without losing your data. This guide explains when and how you can modify field types, lists the compatible conversions, and highlights limitations.
Plan Availability | All plan types |
Permissions | Solution Creators - Can modify field types in Solutions they manage. |
Related Reading | Introduction to Field Types |
Why Change a Field's Type?
Sometimes, your needs evolve. For example, you might start with a plain Text field to store descriptions and later realize you need more functionality, like adding images or using formatting options. SmartSuite allows you to change field types to meet these needs while preserving your data.
Key Points to Remember:
Field type conversions are limited to compatible types.
Certain field types, like Numbers, cannot be converted to unrelated types like Dates.
How to Change a Field's Type
Follow these steps to change a field's type:
Access Field Settings:
Open the field’s context menu.
Select Modify Field Settings.
Choose a New Field Type:
Click the Field Type Selector.
Review the available conversion options.
Select and Update:
Pick your desired field type.
Adjust any new properties for the selected type.
Click Update Field to complete the conversion.
Field Types: Convertible and Non-Convertible
To make it easier to understand, here’s a table listing fields that can and cannot be converted:
Convertible Field Types | Non-Convertible Field Types |
Text | Primary Field (always Text) |
Text Area | Files and Images |
SmartDoc | Time Tracking Log |
Single Select | Record ID |
Multiple Select | Sub-Items |
Date | First Created |
Due Date | Last Updated |
Number | Auto-Number |
Number Slider |
|
Percent |
|
Currency |
|
| |
Phone |
|
Link |
|
Linked Record |
|
Assigned To |
|
Percent Complete |
|
Status |
|
Note: If a field cannot be converted, a lock icon is displayed in the Type selector for the field, like this
Validation During Conversion
SmartSuite validates the information during conversion. If some data is incompatible with the new type, it will be ignored, but the conversion will still proceed.
Practical Scenarios and Use Cases
1. Enhancing Descriptions with Rich Text
Scenario: You used a Text field for project descriptions but now need more formatting options. Solution: Convert the Text field to a SmartDoc field for better formatting and image support.
2. Simplifying Data Entry
Scenario: A Text Area field currently stores task statuses. Solution: Convert it to a Single Select field to standardize and simplify input.
3. Adjusting Field Types for Reporting
Scenario: A field storing numerical ratings is in Text format. Solution: Convert it to a Number field to enable calculations and analytics.
By understanding and leveraging field type conversions, you can optimize your SmartSuite workspace for better functionality and collaboration.