Articles on: Records

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.


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.


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.



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.


Scrolling further reveals the Operators and Available Functions sections.


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})


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.



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.


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."


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.


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.

Updated on: 30/03/2026