When to use Single Select vs. Multi Select vs. Text

Customers sometimes choose to make a field a Text field, when they would be much better off using a Single Select or Multi-Select field.

Here are some questions to ask to help make the decision on how to structure this field:

• Do I want to be able to easily filter by this field?
  If yes, then choosing a Select field (either Single-select or Multi-select) is better than Text.
• Do I want to make sure there's consistency in how the data is inputted, or should it be free form?
  If consistency matters, having a Select field will give people discrete options to choose from and not allow free-form inputs.
  If you'd rather give people the freedom to put what they'd like, Text is a better choice.
• Do I want to filter and can any given Contact / Company / Deal have more than one of these options?
  If yes, then Multi-select gives you the option to have a Contact / Deal / Company have as many of the underlying options as you'd like. If not, then Single-select is best.

So, how do you change this field?

First, go to Deals/Lists and then List Settings (located to the top right corner of the page).

Next, scroll down to the relevant field and click on the drop-down option on the Field Type to show more options.

After considering the above steps, select the relevant Field Type from the drop-down. In this case, either Single select, Multi select, or Text.

Note that if you select Single Select or Multi-select, you will have the option to add the Values that will be selected.

To add a Value, select 'Add option', add a name for the option to the Text box, make the option a Default selection (if necessary), then select Save, to save that Value.

Once you've selected the relevant Field Type, select Save at the bottom right of the page and the changes should be applied.