Introduction
Custom Columns let your team add tailored data fields directly into Target Profile’s tables. Use them to track account- or contact-level attributes that aren’t available out of the box (for example: Verified ARR band, Renewal Window, Demo Outcome, Product Maturity). Custom Columns appear in the Smart Column area and can be added to the Target Profile’s table via Table Customisation so your reps see the exact data they need in their workflow.
At a glance — where to find it
Open Target Profiles.
On the right side, click Smart Column.
In Smart Column you’ll see cards such as AI Signal, Table Customisation, and Custom Column.
Click Create a new Smart Column → choose Custom Column.
You’ll see a list of existing custom columns (grouped by Account and Contact scope). Under that list, click Create column to add a new one.
Preconditions & limits (important)
Scope: You can create custom columns for Account and Contact levels. Make sure you choose the correct scope before creating a column.
Limit: You can create up to 40 custom columns per scope (40 Account columns + 40 Contact columns maximum).
Permissions: Creating or deleting columns may be permissioned; if you don’t see controls, contact your admin.
Immutability: Column Type cannot be changed after a column is created — choose the type carefully.
Delete protection: If Do not allow to delete this field is toggled on, the column can only be removed by Sprouts Support.
Detailed step‑by‑step workflow
Each step below explains why you do it and what to expect.
🔐 Step 1: Log in to your Sprouts account
The user enters their credentials and logs into the platform. After a successful authentication, the user is directed to the main dashboard.
From this point onward, the user has access to all modules and navigation items that are enabled for their role.
Action | Description |
Log in | Use your Sprouts account credentials. |
Step 2: Open the create flow
From Target Profiles, open Smart Column (right side).
Click Create a new Smart Column, select Custom Column.
In the Custom Column area, confirm whether you are creating an Account or Contact column (pick option).
Step 3: Start a new column
Click Create custom column. A dialog / form opens titled Column Details.
Why: This is where you define the column’s identity, behavior and data type.
Step 4: Fill Column Details
Complete the fields in the form:
Column name — a short, descriptive name (required).
Tip: Use a consistent convention: (e.g., Account,job.
Description — explain the purpose, expected values, and owner. This helps others understand how to use the field.
Column Type — choose one of the following (this choice is permanent):
Integrated Data — surfaces values from integrated systems/enrichments (CRM fields, third-party enrichments).
Text — short free text (single line).
Number — numeric values (no currency semantics).
Date — calendar date (useful for renewals, hire dates, etc.).
Boolean — true/false
Long text — multi-line descriptions or notes.
Phone — phone number format (use where phone semantics matter).
Link — URL / clickable link (LinkedIn, case doc, contract link).
Amount — numeric value representing money (use where monetary semantics or formatting is required).
Single select list — one option from a predefined list (good for controlled categories).
Multi select list — multiple options from a predefined list (good for tags, feature flags).
Important: Column type cannot be changed later. Make sure the chosen type matches anticipated usage and integrations.
Do not allow to delete this field (toggle) — when ON, the column cannot be deleted from the UI and removal must be performed by Sprouts support. Use this only for mission-critical fields.
Why: These details determine how data enters, displays and is validated for the column.
Step 5: Save the column
Click Save.
You’ll see a success message with two options: Skip for now and Go to custom view.
Skip for now: Close the dialog and remain in Smart Column. You can add the column to the table layout later.
Go to custom view: Redirects you to Table Customisation so you can immediately add/reorder the new column in your TAL table.
Why: This gives you a chance to place the column where it’s visible to users and validate the presentation.
Step 6:Add the column to your Target Profiles table (optional but recommended)
If you click Go to custom view, Table Customisation opens. Use the search or the appropriate category to find your new custom column.
Check the box to enable it and move it into Enabled fields. Drag it to the desired position (remember Account Name is pinned first).
Click Save to apply the table layout.
Return to the Target Profiles table and confirm the column appears and displays expected values.
Editing, deleting and governance
Editing: Column meta (name, description, visibility, and list options for select types) is typically editable — but type is not changeable. (If your UI does not allow edits, contact your admin.)
Deleting: You can delete a column unless “Do not allow it to delete” is toggled on. If deletion is blocked, open a support request to Sprouts.
Ownership & audit: Use the Description field to list the owner and purpose. Periodically audit unused custom columns — remember the 40-column limit.
Choosing the right Column Type — practical guidance
Integrated Data — choose when the value should come from an external integration or a system field (CRM mapped value).
Text — short freeform values (status notes, short tags).
Long text — for longer notes that may include multiple paragraphs.
Number vs Amount — use Amount for currency values so it can support formatting and currency logic; use Number for counts, scores, or numeric metrics.
Date — for anything time-based; enables consistent filtering and sorting.
Boolean — for binary flags (yes/no). Ideal for quick table visibility and filters.
Phone / Link — use the dedicated types to enable click-to-call and clickable links in the table.
Single / Multi select — best for controlled vocabularies. Predefine options to maintain data quality and make filtering reliable.
Example use cases (with suggested types)
Renewal Date → Date
Contract Value (ARR) → Amount
Customer Tier → Single select list (e.g., Bronze, Silver, Gold)
Product Modules Used → Multi select list
Outbound Cadence Notes → Long text
Onboarding Owner → Text or Integrated Data (if mapping to CRM owner)
Best practices
Plan before you create: Sketch intended use, validation rules, and owner to avoid creating dozens of redundant fields.
Prefer controlled vocabularies: Use single/multi select for predictable filters and reporting.
Limit free text: Free text fields are harder to filter and analyze. Use only when necessary.
Document every column: Fill the Description with owner, source and intended use. This reduces duplication.
Clean up periodically: Remove or consolidate unused custom columns to stay under the 40-column cap and keep the UI usable.
Test first: For columns that will be bulk populated or integrated, create one test column to validate flows.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Q — I hit the 40 columns limit. What should I do?
A — Review unused columns and delete or consolidate where possible. If you still need more, discuss with Product/Support for guidance on alternatives (e.g., using integrated data fields).
Q — I accidentally chose the wrong column type. Can I change it?
A — No; Column Type cannot be changed after creation. Create a new column with the correct type and migrate data if required.
Q — I toggled “Do not allow to delete” and now need the column removed.
A — Contact Sprouts Support; they can remove it but this should be reserved for fields that are critical and owner-managed.
Q — Who can create or delete custom columns?
A — This depends on your tenant permissions. If you cannot create/delete, ask your admin to grant access or perform the action.
Q — Can I prepopulate values for a new column?
A — If you have integrations or a data import facility, you can populate custom columns via those channels. Consult your admin/docs for import/enrichment processes.
Quick reference checklist
Target Profiles → Smart Column → Create a new Smart Column → Custom Column.
Choose Account or Contact scope.
Click Create column → Fill Column name, Description, Column Type (permanently set), and toggle Do not allow to delete if required.
Click Save. Choose Skip for now or Go to custom view.
If custom view: open Table Customisation → enable the new column → reorder → Save.
Validate values in the Target Profiles table; document owner + purpose in the Description.