Salesforce is a powerful CRM tool with a number of features supporting the needs of the user. In this article we will describe the step-by-step process for how to add fields in Salesforce. We will also highlight some of the considerations made along the way. There is no doubt that the best way is to actually create a variety of fields with the utilization of the different field types. Let us go over the process quickly.
Steps on how to add fields in Salesforce
To understand how to add fields in Salesforce, you need to go to the New Custom field button. The location of this button may vary and it depends on the object you are using. If you are using a standard object than go to Build>Customize>Object Name>Fields and then click ‘New’. If you are using a custom field, go to Build>Create>Objects and then scroll down to the section Custom fields and click ‘New’.
Select the type of field – Every field in Salesforce has a type associated. When you create your own customized field in Salesforce, you will have to define a field type. The type of field e.g. Text, Number etc. ensures that certain parameters and the governing rules have been enforced. There are a number of fields to choose from. Choose the type of field you want.
Configure the field attributes – The fields you create in Salesforce has certain attributes which are needed to be defined. The examples are Names and Length in some cases. The other attributes provide depth of fields and help them to be used properly in a variety of scenarios. Some of the attributes are- Field Label, Field Name, Description, Help Text, Required, Unique, External ID, Default Value.
Setting the field level security – You need to establish the field permissions and should be granted to the existing profiles.
Adding to page layouts – This is the last step in the process of how to add fields in Salesforce. You are provided with the option of automatically adding the field you create to any of the page layouts for the object corresponding. This seems to save your time but the issue comes because you have no control over the location of the field in the page layout. Though this way, the fields are always added at bottom left most of the first section of the page layout. You need to manually go into your layout and edit it to move to the desired position.
Thus, these were the steps on how to add field in Salesforce which are custom fields. You can always change your field settings later on but it is definitely easier and better to set your field properly upfront.