---
title: "Storing Data with Custom Fields"
description: "Learn how to add custom fields in Qualy to store extra student information."
lang: "en"
url: https://qualyhq.com/training/preferences/storing-data-with-custom-fields
---
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# Storing Data with Custom Fields

> Easily add and manage extra student information.

## At a glance

- **Intended for:** Everyone
- **Available in:** All plans
- **Reading time:** 2 minutes
- **Last updated:** 31st May 2025

**Video:** https://www.loom.com/embed/96f5ee24d29545d480d4877a300927f8?sid=5ff558de-c004-4e79-8bd5-f96b71e19f5c

## How to Add Custom Fields in Qualy

Qualy comes with default fields for student information (email, first name, last name, etc.).  But you might need to store additional data.  This guide shows you how to add custom fields for things like emergency contact information.

## Adding a Custom Field

Here's how to add a custom field:

1. Go to **Settings** in your Qualy account.
2. Select **Custom fields**.
3. Click the "Add custom field" button.
4. Give your field a unique **internal name** (this will be used in reports).
5. Enter a **display name** that's user-friendly (e.g., "Emergency Phone Number").
6. Decide if you want to **display the field publicly** on the student contact portal. This lets students edit the field themselves. It is an advanced feature and  Qualy support can assist in setting this up.

> **Tip:** A clear placeholder text helps students understand what information to enter (e.g., "Enter the emergency contact number").

7. Choose the field **type**: text, text area (for longer entries), or date.
8. Select when the field should appear: when creating a contact, updating a contact, or both.

> **Example:** Let's add an "Emergency Phone Number" field for students. You could add it to the "Student Contact" section within your Qualy settings.

## Organizing Custom Fields

You can group your custom fields for better organization.  Once added, your custom fields will show up in the relevant contact creation or update screens.  For example, you might have a section called "Extra Information" where all your custom fields are displayed.

> **Note:**  Qualy provides first-class support to help you set up and manage custom fields.

## Using Custom Fields in Reporting

You can use custom fields in Qualy reports in the same way you'd use any other field. You can easily extract and analyze this information.

## Frequently asked questions.

### What types of custom fields can I create?

You can create various field types, including text fields, text areas (multiline text), and date fields.

### Can students edit custom fields themselves?

You can choose to display custom fields publicly on the student contact portal, allowing students to edit their own information.  This is an advanced feature; contact Qualy support for assistance with setup.

### How can I use custom fields in reporting?

Custom fields work just like any other Qualy field.  You can use them in reports to extract and analyze the information you've stored.

### What happens if I need a custom field type not currently supported?

Qualy offers first-class support. Contact our team, and we can help you find a solution or implement the functionality you need.

## Prefer doing this via the Qualy API?

Head over to our developer docs for everything you need—endpoints, examples, and simple how-tos.

[View API Docs](https://docs.qualyhq.com/docs/guides/creating-payment-intents)

## More on Qualy

**Industries**

- [For schools](/international-education/for-schools.md) — For intenrational education schools
- [For agents](/international-education/for-education-agents.md) — For international education agents

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- [Contact](/contact-us.md)

**Product**

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- [Blog](/blog) — International education payments blog by Qualy
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- [API](/api.md) — Qualy API for international education payments

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