The Text, Number, and Dropdown options are nice, but not very exhaustive. There are a number of threads mentioning specific desires for more options, but I wanted to try to make an in-depth list.
Basically, I think there should be a number of different options to “format” data like you can in Excel, with some specialized options that might open up different input or search options.
Date – This should definitely be its own type so it is standardized and allows for better sorting/searching options (date range, before this date, in the year 2017, etc.). Should allow for an optional date picker like the due date to improve data entry.
Time – Again, a very standardized format that could have an optional dropdown to better allow for data entry. Right now you have to use a text field for this which makes it nearly useless as people can input data in multiple formats with no way to sort.
Checkboxes – The dropdown is great, but there are many instances you don’t want to limit the entry to one option.
Phone number (US or International) – Again, a very common but standardized option that should take 10 (or 7) numbers and format it correctly (and warn if input does not match proper syntax)
Email – Warn if does not follow proper syntax
Website – Warn if does not follow proper syntax (could include http:// prefix or not)
Zip code (US or International) – Ensure follows proper syntax
Currency options – Display in accounting format or display in proper format depending on country (periods or commas, does currency sign go at beginning or end, etc.)
Custom formatting – Like in Excel, allow custom options like “@@@00” which someone might use for a project code like “BGT38”.
I’m sure people can think of other options. But I think even this level of sophistication would make Asana more usable as the database that people are turning to other tools like Excel or Airtable for.
Excellent list, Todd. I’d also love to see custom fields that can accept formulas. So, if you entered a certain figure into one field, the total updates in another.
I just upgraded to Premium and I was disappointed to find that there was no option for adding a custom text field with rich text formatting. The description/comment fields support it, so clearly most of the work is already done!
I so agree with this. I’m new to Asana and considering it to replace Smartsheet which has a very cool set of options, especially symbols sets (flag, priority, decision, status, direction and measure.) Really adds to the ability to visualize in an instant what’s going on.
Would also like to be able to have some field automatically added to new projects (e.g. Priority, Status) as a default setting.
Look, Asana, I love ya, but you’re getting crushed by the competition on useful features. Look at Airtable or Monday and you will see that the three options provided by Asana are woefully inadequate. Some suggestions that shouldn’t be too difficult to add.
We appreciate your feedback and will certainly take it onboard as we work toward developing custom fields. We already have a thread on this topic (Better Custom Field Type Options) so to avoid having too many duplicates in the Forum, I’ve gone ahead and merged your post with this existing thread. On my end, I’ll make sure to keep you posted on this thread as soon as I have an update!
