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# How Formulas Work on Custom Fields

## Overview
Formula fields in Breakcold let you turn any custom field into a **computed field** — one whose value is automatically calculated from other fields using a formula expression. This eliminates repetitive data entry and keeps your records consistent.

You can:
* Write formulas manually using field references, operators, and built-in functions
* Use the **Syntax Reference** panel to browse all available syntax
* Let **AI Generate** write the formula for you from a plain-English description
## Step 1 — Go to Settings → Records → Select Your Object
1. Click **Settings** in the left sidebar.
2. Under the *Data* section, click **Records**.
3. Select the object you want to work with — for example, **Deals**. You'll see the full list of fields for that object.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_1x06l9l.png)

*The Deals object fields list — showing all configured fields including Deal Name, Company, Owner, Deal Value, Pipeline Stage, and more.*
## Step 2 — Open a Field for Editing
1. Find the field you want to turn into a formula field.
2. Click the **•••** (three-dot) menu on the right side of that field row.
3. Select **Edit** from the dropdown menu.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_r66zrr.png)

*Click ••• on any field row to reveal the Edit option.*
## Step 3 — Enable the Computed Field Toggle
1. In the field editor panel, scroll down to find the **Computed Field** toggle.
2. Turn the toggle **on**. The formula editor appears immediately below.

The formula editor has two inputs:
* **Formula input** — type or paste your formula expression directly
* **AI description field** — describe what to calculate in plain English, then click **Generate**

A **Syntax Help** link also appears to open the full reference panel.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_oz9s2c.png)

*The Computed Field toggle is enabled, revealing the formula editor with a CONCAT formula entered.*

| Note — Formula fields are read-only in record views. Their values are always computed automatically and cannot be edited manually.
## Step 4 — Use the Syntax Reference
Click **Syntax Help** to open the Formula Syntax Reference panel on the right. It covers:
* **Field References** — use `{field_slug}` to reference a field on the same object, or `{object.field_slug}` for a related object
* **Field Type Values** — Text, Number, Select, Multiselect, Location, Member, Relation, Date/Time
* **Operators** — `+` `-` `*` `/` `=` `≠` `<` `>`
* **Available Functions** — Math (e.g. `SUM`), Text (e.g. `CONCAT`), Logic (e.g. `IF`)
*The Syntax Reference panel showing field reference syntax and available field types.*
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_1pc0tlu.png)

*Scrolling further reveals the Operators and Available Functions sections.*
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_v0psu6.png)

## Step 5 — Write a Formula: CONCAT Example (Text Field)
A common use case is auto-generating a name by combining static text with a related field. For a **Text** field like *Deal Name*, use `CONCAT()`:
```
CONCAT("Subscription ", {company.name})
```
This computes the Deal Name as **"Subscription [Company Name]"** for every record automatically — for example, *"Subscription Breakcold"*.

**Field reference format —** Use `{object.field_slug}` to pull a value from a related record (e.g. `{company.name}`), or just `{field_slug}` for fields on the current object.
## Step 6 — Write a Formula: IF Example (Currency Field)
For conditional logic, use the `IF()` function. For example, on a *Deal Value* (Currency) field — return `0` when the deal is at a specific pipeline stage, otherwise use the existing deal value:
```
IF({stage_customers} = "Proposal Sent", 0000, {value})
```
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_1md6vwz.png)

*An IF formula on the Deal Value (Currency) field — returning 0 when the stage is "Proposal Sent", otherwise keeping the existing value.*
## Step 7 — Generate a Formula with AI
1. In the formula editor, find the **AI description** input field (below the formula input).
2. Type a plain-English description of what the field should calculate.
3. Click **Generate**. Breakcold will write the formula expression for you automatically.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_4l9kcu.png)

*Describe your intent in plain English and click Generate — Breakcold's AI writes the formula for you.*
| Tip — Be specific in your description. Mention which fields should be referenced and what the output should represent for best results.
## Step 8 — Save Changes
1. Once your formula is ready, click **Save Changes**.
2. A *"Field updated"* toast will confirm the change was saved successfully.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_1otcdq1.png)

*The "Field updated" toast confirms your formula field has been saved.*
## Step 9 — View Computed Values in the Record List
Back in the record list, your formula field will display the computed value for each record. Hovering over the field will show a read-only tooltip:
**Read-only —** "This field is read-only because it uses a formula. Formula fields can't be edited."
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_ikm2km.png)

*The formula field shows the computed value (e.g. "Subscription Breakcold") and a read-only tooltip on hover.*
## Step 10 — Edit a Formula Inline from the Column Header
You can update a formula directly from the record list without going back to Settings:
1. Click the **column header** of the formula field in the record list.
2. A **Compute Expression** popover will appear where you can edit the formula directly.
![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/c/f/1/8/cf18dcba819a5000/image_ih3yyv.png)

*The Compute Expression popover — accessible from the column header for quick formula edits without going to Settings.*
## Frequently Asked Questions
**Can I use formulas on any field type?**
You can enable the Computed Field toggle on most custom field types including Text, Number, and Currency. The formula must return a value compatible with the field's type.
**Can I reference fields from related objects?**
Yes. Use the `{object.field_slug}` syntax — for example, `{company.name}` pulls in the Company Name from a linked company record.
**Why can't I edit a formula field directly in the record?**
Formula fields are always read-only. To change the computed value, update the source fields the formula references, or edit the formula itself in Settings or via the column header popover.
**What functions are available?**
Breakcold supports Math (e.g. `SUM`), Text (e.g. `CONCAT`), and Logic (e.g. `IF`) functions. Open Syntax Help in the formula editor for the full up-to-date list.
**Can I disable a formula and make the field editable again?**
Yes. Edit the field in Settings and toggle **Computed Field** off. The field will return to manual entry mode.