Modifying the type of a field

In the event of changing requirements, or if a field type was created in error, you can modify the type of a field after the field is created. You select a field type when you add a field to your data model or when you build a form.

  1. Access the field that you want to modify, based on the way that the field is defined in your data model.
    • To view fields in a data type:
      1. Click Turn editing on.
      2. In the navigation panel, click Data to view a list of data types in your application.
      3. Click the name of a data type.
      4. Click the Data model tab.
    • To view fields in a case type:
      1. Click Turn editing on.
      2. In the navigation panel, click Cases to display the Case Type Explorer.
      3. Click the name of a case type.
      4. Click the Data model tab.
      5. Optional:To display fields that are inherited by your application, click Show reusable fields.
  2. In the row that contains the field that you want to modify, in the Type column, click the existing type.
  3. Click Change and select a new type from the menu.

When changing a field type, if any rules use the field that you want to change, a message is displayed. Click the link in the message to determine if any of these rules fail after the type is changed.

Note: If you do not have access to Designer Studio, this link is disabled.

When changing a field type, if you experience a validation issue, depending on your knowledge of the issue and your troubleshooting experience, you can perform one of the following actions:

  • Resolve the validation issue by following the instructions in the error message. See the PDN article Troubleshooting validation errors when changing the type of an existing field.

  • If you are unable to troubleshoot the validation issue, delete the existing field, and then add a new field that is configured with the type that you want.