A SmartDoc field holds a whole document inside a record. Expand it to open the document in a bigger editor with the full toolbar, so long text is easy to read and write.
Here is the test: is the document too long to work on in a grid cell or a small record box? Expand it.
Example: a Policies table in a compliance program. Policy Text is a SmartDoc field holding the full vendor security policy. The policy owner expands it to edit the sections, add a table of contents and mention the approver.
The Policy Text field in a policy record: a SmartDoc with a heading, a numbered list and a callout.
Plan Availability | All plan types. |
Permissions | Everyone who can see the record can open the expanded view. Editing needs edit rights on the record. |
Platform | Web |
Related Reading |
Expanding from Grid View
Find the SmartDoc column in the table.
Double-click the cell of the record you want.
The document opens in the expanded editor, in a window of its own, with Save and Close.
Expanding from a record
Open the record and find the SmartDoc field.
Select the expand icon in the upper-right corner of the field.
Tip: Write short documents straight into the field in the record. Expand when you need headings, tables or a table of contents.
What you can add in the editor
Headings, lists, quotes, checklists and links, from the toolbar.
Blocks such as a table of contents, a table, a callout or an image: type / for the list.
Mentions: type @ and pick a member, who is notified.
Links to other records, videos, files and emoji.
A heading folds the section under it, so a long policy collapses to its outline. See SmartDoc Field.
Note: A SmartDoc field holds its own content only. It cannot show the value of another field. To combine fields into text, use a Formula field.
Frequently asked questions
Can a SmartDoc show another field's value?
Can a SmartDoc show another field's value?
No. Use a Formula field to combine fields into text.
Do I need edit rights to expand a SmartDoc?
Do I need edit rights to expand a SmartDoc?
No. Anyone who can see the record can expand it to read. Editing needs edit rights.
How long can a SmartDoc be?
How long can a SmartDoc be?
There is no cap on the length of the document.
Does pasted text keep its formatting?
Does pasted text keep its formatting?
Yes. Text pasted from Word or Google Docs keeps its formatting.
Last verified 31 Oct 2026.