Custom Metadata Types

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Custom metadata is customizable, deployable, packageable, and upgradeable application metadata. First, you create a custom metadata type, which defines the form of the application metadata. Then you build reusable functionality that determines the behavior based on metadata of that type. Similar to a custom object or custom setting, a custom metadata type has a list of custom fields that represent aspects of the metadata. 

This reference page includes content that covers the value of Custom Metadata Types, how Salesforce Partners can engage, available training, blogs and much more. Review the resources below, especially the What You Need to Know, which includes important information on Custom Metadata Types and the steps to get started.

New! Heard about the Employ Validation Rule Formulas with Custom Metadata Types feature? 

Questions? Engage with us in the Custom Metadata Types Group (Trailblazer Community login required).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are custom metadata types?
A: Custom metadata is customizable, deployable, packageable, and upgradeable application metadata. First, you create a custom metadata type, which defines the form of the application metadata. Then you build reusable functionality that determines the behavior based on metadata of that type. Similar to a custom object or custom setting, a custom metadata type has a list of custom fields that represent aspects of the metadata.

Q: Why should I engage with this technology?
A: You can create your own declarative developer frameworks for internal teams, partners, and customers. Rather than building apps from data, you can build apps that are defined and driven by their own types of metadata. Metadata is the information that describes the configuration of each customer’s organization.

Q: How can I get started?
A: Review the "What You Need to Know" tab on this page to get started. 

Q: Are there any limitations to using custom metadata types?
A: Yes. See this article to learn more. 

Q: Which custom field types does custom metadata type support?
A: Custom metadata types support the following custom field types:

  • Metadata Relationship 
  • Checkbox 
  • Date 
  • Date and Time 
  • Email 
  • Number 
  • Percent 
  • Phone 
  • Picklist 
  • Text 
  • Text Area 
  • Text Area (Long) 
  • URL

Q: What should I do if I have additional questions?
A: Engage with us in the Custom Metadata Types Group (Trailblazer Community login required).