> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://distance.gitbook.io/distance/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://distance.gitbook.io/distance/getting-started/settings/custom-properties.md).
# Custom properties
Manage custom contact fields used across imports, campaigns, and automations in Distance.
### **Introduction**
The **Custom properties** tab allows you to define and manage additional fields for contact records beyond standard fields such as name, email, and phone number.
These properties are used throughout Distance to structure contact data, support filtering, and enable more targeted campaigns and automations.
***
### **Custom properties**
This section displays all existing custom properties in your workspace.
**Custom properties** define additional data fields that can be attached to contacts, such as service type, appointment date, job status, or account details. These properties are used when importing contacts and when personalizing campaigns or automations.
***
### **Creating a custom property**
Click **Create new** to add a new custom property.
You will be directed to the **Create contact property** screen.
#### **Property label**
Enter a name for the custom property.
This is the display name used in the platform.
#### **Unique attribute identifier**
This field is automatically generated based on the **Property label** you enter.
When you type a **Property label** (for example, “Job Creation Date”), Distance automatically converts it into a system-friendly identifier (for example, "job\_creation\_date") used internally for mapping data from CSV imports.
You do not need to manually configure this field. It is used in the background to ensure consistent matching between imported CSV columns and custom properties.
Once created, the **Unique attribute identifier** cannot be edited.
#### **Property type**
Select the type of data the property will store.
Available options are:
* **Text**
* **Number**
* **Date & Time**
* **Dropdown**
The property type determines how the data is stored and how it can be used across filters, automations, and campaigns. This field cannot be changed after creation.
#### **Description**
Add an optional description to explain what the property is used for.
This is useful for internal reference and helps your team understand how the field should be used.
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### **Managing custom properties**
From the **Custom properties** list, click the three-dot menu next to a custom property, then click **Edit**.
The following fields can be edited:
* **Property label** - The display name of the property used throughout Distance
* **Description** - A short explanation of what the property is used for
The following fields cannot be edited after creation:
* **Unique attribute identifier**
* **Property type**
These fields are locked to ensure consistency across contact imports and automations.
***
### **How custom properties are used in imports**
During contact imports, CSV columns can be mapped to either standard contact fields or **Custom properties**.
Standard contact fields such as name, phone number, email address, and address details are automatically mapped when detected. **Custom properties** must be manually mapped during each import.
If a required custom property does not exist, you can create a new one directly during the import process.
Using custom properties during imports helps ensure imported data remains structured consistently for filtering, segments, campaigns, and automations. For more information about CSV mapping and contact imports, see [**How to import contacts**](/distance/getting-started/contacts/how-contacts-are-created.md#how-to-import-contacts).
