3.10. Custom Fields

The release of Bugzilla 3.0 added the ability to create Custom Fields. Custom Fields are treated like any other field - they can be set in bugs and used for search queries. Administrators should keep in mind that adding too many fields can make the user interface more complicated and harder to use. Custom Fields should be added only when necessary and with careful consideration.

Tip

Before adding a Custom Field, make sure that Bugzilla can not already do the desired behavior. Many Bugzilla options are not enabled by default, and many times Administrators find that simply enabling certain options that already exist is sufficient.

Administrators can manage Custom Fields using the "Custom Fields" link on the Administration page. The Custom Fields administration page displays a list of Custom Fields, if any exist, and a link to "Add a new custom field".

3.10.1. Adding Custom Fields

To add a new Custom Field, click the "Add a new custom field" link. This page displays several options for the new field, described below.

The following attributes must be set for each new custom field:

3.10.2. Editing Custom Fields

As soon as a Custom Field is created, its name and type cannot be changed. If this field is a drop down menu, its legal values can be set as described in Section 3.11.1. All other attributes can be edited as described above.

3.10.3. Deleting Custom Fields

Only custom fields which are marked as obsolete, and which never have been used, can be deleted completely (else the integrity of the bug history would be compromised). For custom fields marked as obsolete, a "Delete" link will appear in the "Action" column. If the custom field has been used in the past, the deletion will be rejected. But marking the field as obsolete is sufficient to hide it from the user interface entirely.