FAQs for custom fields, user fields, and categories

This FAQ contains questions and answers about when to store contact data in custom fields, user fields, and categories.

When should I use custom fields?

Custom field data is useful because it becomes available for filtering, searching, and reporting as soon as it is added to the system.

Use custom fields to:

Store optional data used by a limited number of entities in the system.
Store contact-level information, for example, interests, demographics, and financial information.
Track relationships.

Examples of custom fields are Referral Source, Favorite Sports Team, and Lawyer.

For more information on best practices for using custom fields, see Managing custom fields.

When should I use user fields?

Use user fields when you want to store contact data in text fields. User fields are not supported for search or reporting purposes.

For more information on best practices for using user fields, see Managing user fields.

When should I use categories?

Use categories when you want to search and group contacts based on labels, such as Avid Golfer.

For more information on best practices for using categories, see Managing categories.