Contents
- Introduction
- Types of custom profile fields
- Managing sections
- General profile field features
- Managing custom profile field types
Introduction
Custom member profile fields allow your church to collect the information you need from your congregation. They can be configured by going to Settings - Profile Fields, where they can be found under the Additional Fields section.
Types of custom profile fields
There are several types of custom profile fields you can choose from, as follows:
- Text entry - supports one line text and number data.
- Numbers -: only supports numbers.
- Multiple line text - allows multiple lines of text and number data.
- Checkbox - allows the user/member to check one or more boxes in order to select particular pieces of information.
- Dropdown - provides a dropdown list of several options that the user/member can choose from. Only one option can be selected.
- Multiple choice - the user/member can choose one option from several provided.
- Date - allows the user/member to enter or select a date, using a calendar tool.
- File - allows the user/member to attach a file to their profile. Please note that this option is only available for paid ChMeetings accounts.
- Section - allows the user (admin or owner) to add a new section to people profiles. Such a section can include several fields.
Next, let’s learn how to create and manage each of these field types.
Managing sections
Adding a section
In order to be able to add fields to people’s profiles, you first need to create a section within which to place them. One section can contain several fields, but one field can only be placed in one section.
To add a new section, please go to the Additional Fields area, then follow the steps below;
- Find the Section option within your custom fields list.
- Click on it and hold your mouse button.
- Drag the section to one of the panels on the right. You will see it overlay the section until you decide to drop it.
- Release your mouse button when you are ready to drop the section.
Once your section is set up, you can start adding fields, as explained in this article.
Moving a section
You can move a section up or down by dragging and dropping it.
Simply click the move button (☩), drag the section to the desired position, the drop it.
Removing a section
To remove a section, simply click the (x) icon, found in the right side corner.
Please be aware that if you remove a profile section, you will also remove all of the information stored within that section, including file attachments. This applies to all member profiles.
ChMeetings will ask you to confirm your choice.
- Click on Delete if you are sure.
- Click Cancel if you change your mind.
General profile field features
Adding a new field
All field types can be added from the Additional Fields area, and need to be placed within an existing section. To add a new field, please follow the steps below:
- Find the field type you want to add.
- Click on it and hold your mouse button.
- Drag the field type to one of the panels on the right. You will see the field type overlay the section until you decide to drop it.
- Release your mouse button when you are ready to drop the field.
Editing a field
To edit an existing field, simply click on it. You will immediately be shown all available editing options.
Sorting field options
Multiple choice, checkbox and dropdown field options can be sorted in either ascending or descending (alphabetical or numerical) order, using the buttons next to the name of the field..
Conditional Fields
You can make any field conditional, so that it will only display when a specific field is answered or a certain answer is selected for another field. By selecting the Show only if option, you will be able to select which criteria the field should fulfill in order to display. Conditional fields are accompanied by a “nodes” icon, as shown below.
Removing a field
To remove an existing field, please follow the steps below:
- Click the field to edit it.
- Click the red bin icon to delete it.
Moving fields up or down the profile
To move a field up or down your list, simply click on it, drag then drop it to the desired location.
Duplicating a field
This feature lets you create a duplicate of a particular field. This can save you time in those occasions when you need to create another field that contains some data that already exists in the one you are duplicating.
To duplicate, simply click your field to edit it, then click the blue duplication button.
Exiting a field without saving changes
Simply click the “X” icon at the top right.
Saving changes to a field
To save a field, click the checkmark (✓) at the top right of the field editing area.
Managing custom profile field types
Text entry
When adding a Text entry field, you will have the possibility to edit the title of the field. Be concise, but at the same time make sure you are clear about what type of information you would like people to provide within this field.
This is the most commonly encountered field type to fill out. It can look like this to someone who needs to enter their information;
Numbers
Just like the Text entry field type, the Numbers field type allows you to edit the title.
To someone filling out this field type, it could look like this:
Multiple line text
This field type also allows you to edit the title that is visible to people, when filling it out.
Here is what this field type could look like to someone filling it out:
Checkbox
The Checkbox field type allows you to edit the field title and add options that people can choose from when filling out the field.
You can remove an option by clicking the red delete button (⛒) next to it.
You can also add new checkbox items, by clicking the + icon next to the Add checkbox item option. Below is a quick visual guide:
You can drag and drop options to move them up or down the list.
To those filling it out, a checkbox field will look similar to the example below.
Dropdown
This field type is similar to the checkbox, because it provides you with the same editing options: a title and the options you want to allow people to choose from. You can add and remove dropdown items as needed, using the icons next to each option.
You can drag and drop options to move them up or down the list.
When people fill out a dropdown field, they will need to click on the list then select one of the options you made available. Here is an example:
Multiple choice
This field type allows you to configure its title, as well as the options that people can choose from.
You can add and remove dropdown items as needed, using the icons next to each option. You can also drag and drop options to move them up or down the list.
To those who fill out this field type, it will look similar to the example below:
Date
This field type allows you to edit the title that is visible to people, when filling it out.
To people filling out the field, it will look like this:
Attach File
This field type also allows you to edit the title that is visible to people who fill it out. It is only available for paid ChMeetings accounts.
When people attach files to profiles, they will have the option to browse their computer and upload it. Here is what the process looks like:
Only one file can be attached per profile and the maximum file size is 5MB. The attachment can be removed by clicking the delete (x) icon on the right.
