The System field types

The System field types provide advanced features to meet specific requirements. Typical website developers do not use the System field types for end-user data.

The following table lists available System field types.

System field type	Description
Query Datasource	You can set the datasource for a presentation component using the Sitecore presentation layer. Setting a datasource enables you to create an internal link to specific content. You can select content to use as a datasource from the content tree or by specifying a search query. The search query is then passed to the code in your solution. For example, you could search for items based off a particular template and have its results act as the datasource for a presentation component.
Attachment	Database media items use the Attachment field type to store binary data. Warning Do not use the Attachment field type in your data templates.
File Drop Area (FDA)	Allows the user to manage files using the WebDAV protocol. The value of a File Drop Area field type references a media library folder containing corresponding media items. The Source property has no impact on File Drop Area field types. Note that: If the File Drop Area field type is enabled, a Drag & Drop dialog box appears when you click Add. If the File Drop Area field type is disabled, an Upload File dialog box appears when you click Add. When Sitecore publishes an item, it automatically publishes media items referenced in any File Drop Area field types of that item, including changes and deletions to those media.
Internal Link	Allows the user to select a descendant of the item specified by the Source property of the field. Warning Do not use the Internal Link field type in your data templates. It is a Sitecore System field type that is appropriate only for Sitecore internal use and customizations. It is not suited for end-user data because it points to a path and item name. This link can easily be broken by end users if they rename an item. Use Droplink, Droptree, or General Link field types instead.
Layout	Allows the user to manipulate layout details for each item. Warning Do not use the Layout field type in your data templates.
Rules	Allows for configuration of conditional renderings. Warning Do not use the Rules field type in your data templates.
Security	Lets users manipulate security settings for each item. Warning Do not use the Security field type in your data templates.
Template Field Source	Allows the user to select the Source property in a template field definition item. Warning Do not use the Template Field Source field type in your data templates.
Thumbnail	Allows the user to select a thumbnail image from the Media Library. Warning Do not use the Thumbnail field type in your data templates.

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