# Set up custom profile fields https://help.circle.so/p/administration/custom-profile-fields/set-up-custom-profile-fields Category: [Administration](https://help.circle.so/p/administration) › [Custom profile fields](https://help.circle.so/p/administration/custom-profile-fields) --- _Last updated: September, 2026_ Custom profile fields empower your community members to share unique information that reflects their identity, expertise, or interests, enriching member profiles and fostering deeper engagement. This article walks you through the steps to create and configure new custom profile fields to align with your community's needs and enhance member visibility. ## **Creating a custom profile field** To set up a new custom profile field: 1. Click  **Audience**  in the left sidebar, then select  **Profile fields**. 2. Click  **Add field**  in the top right corner. 3. Configure the field information and preferences as outlined below. 4. Once ready, click  **Add field**. ## Add field details In the **Details** section, choose the name, type, and descriptions for the field. ### **Field label** The field label is basically the name of the field. Choose a clear, descriptive label that reflects the data you’re collecting, such as Areas of expertise, Interests, or Portfolio link. This label helps admins and members understand the field's purpose and encourages meaningful input. ### **Field type** Select a field type that best suits the data you want to collect. Six field types are available, each designed for specific use cases. Depending on the type of field, you may need to configure additional options: - **Short text, long text, or link:**  When these field types are selected, you can optionally add placeholder text. - **Dropdown**   **or**   **checkbox:**  For these field types, provide at least one option for members to select. Enter each option in the  **Choices**  field and press  **Enter**. Add as many options as needed by clicking  **Add another option**. The choices appear in the order you add them during field setup. Admins can drag and drop choices to reorder them. - **Number** : When selecting this type, configure options like number format (e.g., percent or custom) and the number of decimal places allowed. > ℹ️ **Note:** Once the profile field is created, its field type cannot be changed, so choose carefully during setup. 📚 To learn more about all six field types, see [Explore custom profile field types](/p/administration/custom-profile-fields/explore-custom-profile-field-types). ### **Key** The field key is a unique identifier used for API and Zapier integrations. It is automatically generated based on the field label, but you can customize it to create a unique internal identifier. Note that spaces and dashes are not permitted in the field key. ### **Placeholder (optional)** Include a short hint that describes the expected value of an input field. This placeholder text will be displayed inside the field until the member fills it out. ### **Description** Include a detailed explanation for the field, which will appear as a tooltip (indicated by a "?" icon) next to the field label. Use this to clarify the field’s purpose or provide an example to encourage meaningful and relevant input from members. ## Configure preferences The preferences section allows you to fine-tune the field properties and visibility to suit the community’s needs. The following options are available. ### **Field properties** - **Mark this field required** : When enabled, new members must complete the field during the profile confirmation sign-up process (if the sign-up form is enabled) or when saving their profile information (if the edit profile form is enabled). - **Internal field** : When this toggle is turned on, only admins can see and edit this field. It’s useful for things like internal notes, segments, or any other non-personal details your team wants to track behind the scenes. ### **Form locations** Choose where members can add information or update the field: - **Sign up form** : Decide whether to display the field on the community sign-up form, allowing new members to provide this information during onboarding. - **Edit profile form** : Decide whether to include the field on the edit profile form, which will allow members to update this field as needed. ### **Community display** Control where the field appears within the community: - **Visible in full profile view** : Choose whether to show the field on the member’s full profile page, making it accessible to viewers of the profile. 📚 To learn more about field visibility and how to preview them, see [Manage custom profile fields](/p/administration/custom-profile-fields/manage-custom-profile-fields). ## **Updating profile fields** All published fields, including both custom and system fields, are listed under the **Active** tab on the **Profile fields** page. You can modify these fields anytime to reflect your community’s changing goals and strategies. To edit a field, click its label in the dashboard and update the field details or preferences as needed. Click **Save changes** to ensure the field continues to support your community’s objectives effectively. > ℹ️ **Note:** You cannot change the **Field type** of an existing field. For system fields, the **Key** is fixed and cannot be modified. ## **Relevant articles** - [Explore custom profile field types](/p/administration/custom-profile-fields/explore-custom-profile-field-types) - [Manage custom profile fields](/p/administration/custom-profile-fields/manage-custom-profile-fields) - [Archive or delete custom profile fields](/p/administration/custom-profile-fields/archive-or-delete-custom-profile-fields) - [Notify existing members to complete new fields](/p/administration/custom-profile-fields/notify-existing-members-to-complete-new-fields)