Defaults & validation

Two ways to make a field smarter without writing code.

Default value

"What value should this field have when a new record is created?"

Defaults pre-fill the form so the user only types what's actually different. Less typing = fewer mistakes.

Common defaults

Setting a default

Open the field's properties and put the value in the Default box. The platform handles the rest — the form pre-fills, and saved records that don't override the default keep it.

For dates, the special values today() and now() are recognised.

Validation — extra rules beyond the type

The field's type already does basic validation (a Date field rejects "yesterday morning" — only real dates pass). But sometimes you need more.

When to add a rule

• Length limits — IC number must be exactly 12 digits.
• Allowed values — Status can only be draft, submitted, approved, rejected.
• Number ranges — Days requested must be between 1 and 30.
• Format — Phone must start with +60 or 0.

How to add a rule

In the field's properties, open Rules and click Add rule. Pick the rule type, fill in the parameters, and provide an error message:

Type:    Min length
Value:   12
Message: IC number must be at least 12 digits.

The form checks the rule before saving. If it fails, the user sees your message in red next to the field.

Common rules

Tip

Don't pile on validation. The right type + Required does ~80% of the work. Add custom rules only when you've seen a real mistake users make.

Where to next

• Where fields show — control what appears on which screen.
• Common mistakes — six small mistakes that bite first.