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Short Text

The Short Text field is your go-to custom field for capturing any kind of brief, single-line text. It is the most fundamental and versatile field type, acting as a simple text box for information that doesn't fit into more specialized formats like dates, numbers, or barcodes.

Think of it as the perfect place for names, model numbers, locations, colors, or any other short piece of descriptive data.

When to Use the Short Text Field​

The flexibility of the Short Text field makes it useful in nearly any inventory scenario. If you need to type it, and it's not a long paragraph, this field is likely the right choice.

[Image showing several Short Text fields on an item detail screen, like "Serial Number", "Color", and "Location".]

Here are some common examples:

  • Unique Identifiers:

    • Serial Number
    • Model Number
    • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
    • Lot Number

  • Descriptive Attributes:

    • Color
    • Material (e.g., "Cotton," "Steel," "Oak")
    • Finish (e.g., "Matte," "Glossy")

  • Logistical Information:

    • Supplier Name
    • Room Number
    • Shelf Location (e.g., "Aisle 4, Bay 2")
    • Purchase Order #

  • Contact & Ownership:

    • Assigned To (e.g., "John Doe")
    • Department (e.g., "IT Support")

How to Create or Edit a Short Text Field​

Follow instructions in the Custom Fields guide.

How to Use the Short Text Field​

Using the field is as simple as typing on your phone.

  1. Open any item within the collection where you added the field.
  2. Find the new Short Text field you created.
  3. Tap on the field.
  4. Your device's keyboard will appear.
  5. Type in the information you want to add.
  6. The data is saved as you type or when you tap out of the field.

Tips and Best Practices​

  • Keep It Brief: As the name suggests, this field is best for short information. If you need to write detailed notes, paragraphs, or maintenance logs, use the Long Text field instead.
  • Establish a Format: For data like locations, try to be consistent with your format (e.g., always use Aisle-Section-Shelf or A-S-S). This makes your data much easier to sort and search reliably.
  • Fully Searchable: Remember that any text you put in this field is indexed by Maxilist's powerful search engine. You can instantly find an item by searching for its serial number, color, or location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

What is the character limit for the Short Text field?​

The Short Text field is designed for brief entries, typically up to 255 characters. This is more than enough for serial numbers, names, and other identifiers. For anything longer, please use the Long Text field.

What's the difference between the "Short Text" and "Long Text" fields?​

The "Short Text" field is a single-line input, perfect for keywords, codes, and names. The "Long Text" field is a multi-line text area designed for detailed paragraphs, descriptions, and notes.

Is the text in this field case-sensitive when I search?​

Maxilist's search is designed to be user-friendly, so it is generally not case-sensitive. Searching for "blue" will find items with "Blue" in the field.