Introduction to Custom Field Types
Custom Field Types are the different input formats available when creating a Custom Field in AcceleratorApp.
They determine how information is collected, entered, and displayed. For example, some Custom Field Types are designed for short text answers, some for numbers or dates, and others for file uploads, ratings, or multiple-choice selections.
Custom Fields themselves are reusable questions used to collect and display information about a startup or a user. The Custom Field Type defines the format of that question and the kind of answer it accepts. The answers are synchronized across each use case and their linked profile, which helps keep information consistent across the platform.
Custom Fields are generally managed by administrators.
Where to Find Custom Field Types
To view available Custom Field Types, go to the Custom Fields area and start creating a new field.
Click on the Menu icon on the top left of the page, then click Custom Fields.
Step-by-Step
1. Open the menu
Click on the Menu icon on the top left of the page.
2. Open Custom Fields
Click on Custom Fields in the left-side menu.
3. Create a new field
From the Custom Fields page, click the blue + Create New Field button in the top right corner.
4. Navigate to Custom Field Type
In the Create Custom Field window, naviaget down to the Custom Field Type section.
5. Open the Field Type dropdown
Next, click the Field Type dropdown to view the available Custom Field Types. Use this list to choose the format that best matches the kind of information you want to collect.
Available Custom Field Types
- Currency: Allows users to enter monetary values.
- Date: Enables users to select a specific date.
- Attachment: Allows users to upload files such as documents, images, or PDFs.
- Number: Restricts input to numerical values only.
- Scale: Presents a range of values for users to rate something.
- Phone: Allows users to enter a phone number.
- Multiple Choice: Allows users to select more than one option.
- Dropdown Single Choice: Presents a dropdown list from which users can select one option.
- Dropdown Multiple Choice: Presents a dropdown list from which users can select multiple options.
- Single Choice: Presents a set of options from which users can select only one.
- User Add Row: Allows users to dynamically add multiple rows of related data.
- One Liner: Provides a single-line text field for short responses.
- Long Answer: Provides a larger text area for longer responses.
- Nested Dropdown Multiple Choice: Offers hierarchical dropdown menus that allow users to select multiple options from different levels.
- Nested Dropdown Single Choice: Offers hierarchical dropdown menus that allow users to select one option from different levels.
Best Practices
- Choose the Custom Field Type that best matches the kind of information you want to collect.
- Use simpler field types, such as One Liner or Dropdown Single Choice, when possible to make forms easier to complete.
- Review the field type carefully before creating the field, especially when using more advanced options such as nested dropdowns or multiple questions.
- Use consistent field naming so Custom Fields are easier to manage later.