---
title: "Manage Custom Field Values"
slug: "manage-custom-field-values"
description: "Learn how to add and manage custom field values for employee profiles, ensuring clear options for selection and multiple selections in your system."
updated: 2026-10-02T14:21:50Z
published: 2026-10-02T14:21:50Z
canonical: "help.workeasysoftware.com/manage-custom-field-values"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.workeasysoftware.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Manage Custom Field Values

Custom Field Values define the selectable options for custom fields configured as **Selection** or **Multiple selection**. These values populate the dropdown options displayed on employee profiles.

## Before you begin

- The custom field must already be created with the data type set to **Selection** or **Multiple selection** in Custom Field Configuration. See [Configure Custom Fields and Expiration Notifications](/main/docs/configure-custom-fields-and-expiration-notifications).
- You must have access to **Global Settings** and **Platform Settings**.

## Add custom field values

1. Go to **Global Settings**.
2. Expand **Platform Settings**.
3. Select **Custom Field Values**.
4. Select the custom field from the list.
5. Select **Add**.
6. In **Value**, enter the name of the option.
7. In **Weight**, enter a number to control display order. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/88d7ebef-752e-45d9-95e1-ee13bd7279c5/Images/Documentation/image-25P4PJVS.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-01T16%3A35%3A53Z&se=2026-11-01T17%3A35%3A53Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=DVDNDdUfd%2BlEQmFI1ly4p9KieDGAINQkZ5PQtsdknuY%3D)
8. After values are created, you can select a value to edit or archive it. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/88d7ebef-752e-45d9-95e1-ee13bd7279c5/Images/Documentation/image-9MQODOCI.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-01T16%3A35%3A53Z&se=2026-11-01T17%3A35%3A53Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=DVDNDdUfd%2BlEQmFI1ly4p9KieDGAINQkZ5PQtsdknuY%3D)

## Understanding weight

**Weight** controls the display order of dropdown options.

- Lower numbers appear higher in the list.
- If all weights are set to **0**, the system may default to creation order or alphabetical order.

Example:

- Workplace Safety Training – Weight 1
- Harassment Prevention Training – Weight 2
- Equipment Safety Training – Weight 3

## Best practices

- Keep values clear and standardized.
- Avoid duplicate or slightly different naming variations.
- Confirm naming conventions if values sync to payroll, reports, or integrations.
- Do not combine multiple data points into a single value.
- Review values periodically to prevent unused or outdated options from accumulating.

## When to use Selection vs Multiple selection

- Use **Selection** when only one value can apply at a time, such as Work Authorization Status.
- Use **Multiple selection** when more than one value can apply to the same employee at the same time, such as Training Programs Completed.

## FAQs

### Why do I not see any options available in the dropdown?

If no values have been added, the dropdown will appear empty. If you recently created a new field and do not see it, refresh the page.

  

### Can I edit a custom field value after it has been created?

Yes. However, changes may impact employees already assigned to that value. Confirm before modifying values that are in active use.

  

### Can I delete a custom field value?

Deletion behavior may depend on whether the value is currently assigned to employees. Confirm that the value is not actively assigned to employees before archiving or deleting it.

  

### Do custom field values track history?

No. Custom field values reflect the current state only. Historical changes are not tracked.

  

### Are custom field values available in reports and exports?

Yes. Custom field values are available in employee reports, exports, and through the API. Integration behavior may vary by integration.