Explore the different types of fields available in Knack and learn when to use each one. Choosing the right field type helps you collect and display information exactly the way you need it.
Text Fields
Short Text
- Best for: Brief entries, titles, names
- Examples: Product name, Category, Title
Paragraph Text
- Best for: Longer descriptions, notes
- Examples: Comments, Meeting notes
Rich Text
- Best for: Formatted content
- Examples: Product descriptions, Articles
- Features: Text styling, lists, links
Text Formula
- Best for: Automated text combinations
- Examples: Full name from First + Last
- Features: Dynamic text generation
Numeric Fields
Number
- Best for: Quantities, measurements
- Examples: Inventory count, Age
Currency
- Best for: Financial values
- Examples: Price, Budget amount
Equation
- Best for: Calculated values
- Examples: Total cost, Percentages, Discounts
Auto Increment
- Best for: Unique identifiers
- Examples: Order numbers, Ticket IDs
Summary Fields
- Best for: Calculations on connected tables
- Examples: Sum, Count, Min, Max, Average
Choice Fields
Multiple Choice
- Best for: Preset options
- Examples: Status, Size, Category
Yes/No
- Best for: Binary choices
- Examples: Active/Inactive, Complete/Incomplete
Date Fields
Date/Time
- Best for: Events, schedules
- Examples: Appointments, Deadlines
Timer
- Best for: Duration tracking
- Examples: Task time, Project length
File Fields
File
- Best for: Document attachments
- Examples: Contracts, Reports
Image
- Best for: Visual content
- Examples: Product photos, Avatars
Personal Fields
Person
- Best for: User references
- Examples: Assigned to, Created by
💡This is a multi-part type of field - there may be several columns when importing or exporting data.
- Best for: Contact information
- Features: Format validation
Address
- Best for: Location data
- Features: Mapping support
💡This is a multi-part type of field - there may be several columns when importing or exporting data.
Phone
- Best for: Contact numbers
- Features: Format options
Signature
- Best for: Digital approvals
- Features: Capture signatures
Other Fields
Rating
- Best for: Scoring, feedback
- Examples: Product reviews, Satisfaction
Link
- Best for: External references
- Examples: Website URLs, Resources
Connection
- Best for: Relating records
- Examples: Product to Category, Order to Customer
Tip: Choose field types based on data entry needs, display requirements, and reporting goals.
Common Questions
- Can I change a field type after creating it?
- Yes, but review the impact on existing data first.
- Can I make a field required?
- Yes, this option is available for all field types.
Next Steps
- Create your first field
- Learn about field settings and options
- Explore field rules and formulas