The System field types

Version: 10.2

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.

Custom

To prevent including irrelevant entries in the list of field types, Sitecore provides the Custom field type for infrequently used custom fields. For example, Sitecore uses the Custom field type for the CachingField, ExperienceTunerField, and TestLaboratoryField field types used in layout details.

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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