Adding Custom Fields in NetSuite: Step-by-Step Guide

Custom fields in NetSuite allow you to tailor your system to fit your unique business needs — from tracking customer preferences to adding new data points on transactions or inventory items. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to create, configure, and use custom fields in NetSuite using SuiteBuilder. Whether you’re adding a text box to store client information, a dropdown for department codes, or a checkbox to flag specific orders, understanding custom fields is key to maximizing NetSuite’s flexibility.

We’ll walk through everything — from field types and data sources to display settings and advanced configurations — so you can confidently customize forms, records, and workflows. By the end, you’ll know how to make NetSuite work exactly the way your business does.

Every business is unique, and sometimes the standard fields in NetSuite aren’t enough to capture all the information you need. That’s where custom fields come in. They let you store additional data on transactions, customers, vendors, or any other record type.

In this blog, we’ll explain what custom fields are, why they’re useful, and how you can create them step by step.

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📝 What Are Custom Fields in NetSuite?

A custom field is a user-defined field that you add to NetSuite records. For example:

• A custom “Delivery Date” field on a Sales Order
• A “Customer Type” field on the Customer record
• A “Lot Expiration Date” on inventory items

👉 Key Point: Custom fields help you capture and report on data that is specific to your business.

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⚡ Why Use Custom Fields?

• Flexibility: Adapt NetSuite to fit your unique processes.
• Reporting: Use custom fields in saved searches and reports.
• Automation: Trigger workflows and scripts based on custom field values.
• User Experience: Make forms more relevant and useful to your team.

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🛠️ How to Create a Custom Field (Step-by-Step)

1. Navigate to Customization:
   Go to Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields.
2. Choose the Field Type:
   Pick where you want to add the field (e.g., Entity Fields for Customers, Item Fields for Inventory, Transaction Fields for Sales Orders).
3. Click New:
   Select New Field to start creating.
4. Enter Basic Information:
   • Label (name of the field, e.g., “Delivery Date”)
   • Field Type (text, date, checkbox, dropdown, etc.)
5. Apply to Specific Records:
   Choose which records the field should appear on (e.g., all Sales Orders or only Purchase Orders).
6. Set Display Options:
   Control where it shows up on the form and whether it’s mandatory.
7. Save the Field:
   Once saved, it will appear on the selected record forms.

👉 Pro Tip: Always prefix custom field IDs with something meaningful (e.g., custbody_deliverydate) for easier management.

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📊 Using Custom Fields in Searches & Reports

After creating a custom field, you can:

• Add it as a filter or column in a Saved Search
• Display it in Reports
• Use it in Workflows or SuiteScripts

This makes your data much more powerful and actionable.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Custom fields are one of the simplest but most powerful ways to customize NetSuite. They allow you to capture additional information, automate processes, and improve reporting.

Start small—add fields only where they bring real value—and document them for future reference. Over time, custom fields will help you shape NetSuite into a perfect fit for your business.

Learn more about NetSuite Scripting Tutorials & different NetSuite Customization resources