Manage custom site columns
If you created a column and want to use it in multiple lists/libraries, use the Site Columns feature. A site column allows you create and define the column once and then reuse it across multiple lists/libraries. This ensures consistency and the need to update it in just one place. This is recommended if you have properties that are used repeatedly (such as faculty or department). It’s beneficial with pick lists, as you only need to define the choices once.
- Go to your site and select the gear icon (top right corner) > Site contents > Site settings > Site columns.
- Select Create.
- Enter the Column name and select The type of information in this column is. Under Group, decide whether to put your column in an existing group (best practice is to use the Custom Columns group) or create a new group. If you're creating many columns, it's recommended to create a group as it'll be easier to find later.
- Select OK to create.
Hide column on the upload form
Don’t confuse your user by putting fields you don’t expect them to populate in the upload form. It is possible that you may have properties you don’t want to the user to populate in the upload form, but need to be updated later by another staff member (for example, a review status).
1. In your library/list, select the gear icon (top right corner) > List/Library settings > Advanced settings.
2. Under Allow management of content types, select Yes. Scroll down and select OK.
3. Back on the List/Library settings, click on an existing content type under the Content Type section. Click into the column you want to hide, and select Hidden > OK.
Related Information
For information on columns: