ChilliDB Admin Quick Start: Custom Fields

A key aspect of setting ChilliDB up initially is ensuring you have the fields in place to collect that data you require. The Custom Fields section of ChilliDB allows users to create sections and add fields to make sure the correct data is being collected, and that it is being collected in the most efficient way. As most users of ChilliDB require more than the basic set of system fields that come with the system to match their specific needs, it pays to become familiar with the options available in custom fields early on in the piece to help you to hit the ground running.

The following steps will take you through the basics to get started with custom fields so you can add the data you require to your ChilliDB records.

Note: if you are having trouble accessing the custom fields section of ChilliDB, it could be an issue with your user role permissions. Our 'Custom Fields: Adding Required User Permissions' article may provide the solution to this.

Pre-Planning

Before diving in and adding custom fields to your ChilliDB system, it is a good idea to pay some consideration to how you want your fields laid out. When adding fields to your system, you have the ability to group your fields into sections, where appropriate. As such, thinking about how you would like to organise your fields and what sections you might require to do so is highly-advisable before diving into the creation of your fields. Once a field has been created in ChilliDB, it is not possible to change the field type (i.e.: date field; text field; checkbox field; yes/no field etc) without creating the field again from scratch, which is another reason to carefully plan out your needs before starting.

Step 1: Navigate to the Custom Fields Module (Section) in ChilliDB

To do so, first click on the System main menu item, choose 'Custom Fields', and then click on 'Create and Maintain'.

Step 2: Select the module you wish to add a custom field to from the dropdown list.

Step 3: Select the section you wish to add your new field to.

3.1 Adding a field to an existing section

To add a field to an existing section, simply click on the section name and then click on the 'Add New Field' link that appears on the right-hand side of the screen underneath the available sections.

Note: if you need to create a section first before adding fields to it, jump to 3.2 below.

Then fill in the details for your new field in the window that opens and click 'Save'

3.2 Adding a field to a new section

If you need to add a new section in which to group your fields before adding them to your system, click on the 'Add New section' link in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Add the section name to the 'Section Description' field and click the icon that resembles a blue floppy disc to save.

Once your new section is created, you can then follow the steps in section 3.1 above to add fields to this section.

Further Information

For more detailed information on setting up sections and fields, including an overview of each of the fields involved in setting up each item; the functions of the different settings available in each; and sensitivity settings, please click on the links below:

i) Need more in-depth information about creating your own sections? See our Creating Sections (Advanced) article.

ii) Looking for more detailed information about adding fields to ChilliDB? Check out the Creating Fields (Advanced) article.

iii) Looking to add your own tabs to a record to collect multiple instances of the same data? The Creating a Grid Layout for a Section article will outline how to do this.

iv) Not sure about the types of fields available to you and the options for each?

Take a look at our Field Type Glossary