Changes to the Way We Support HTML Code Stored Within Fields

The way we store & render (or 'output') HTML code within fields, is changing.

Details

Introduction

Do you use our contact list fields to store HTML code so that you can insert that code into emails using wildcards? If so, you need to know about some important changes to the way we support this.

In short, we’re introducing a dedicated HTML field type to align with industry best practices for security. Furthermore, this change ensures your HTML displays consistently wherever it’s used across forms and emails.

What Will Happen if You Don’t Make Any Changes

For example, let’s say you have the following HTML in a custom field (note: in HTML, 'strong' is the code used to make text bold):
<strong>Hi John</strong>

Currently, if you insert that field into your email using a wildcard, the output will appear as:
Hi John

But after the change, if you don't convert that field to HTML snippet, the email will display the entire code (instead of just the 'output'):
<strong>Hi John</strong>

This also applies to any custom fields containing HTML for links, images, or other elements. If not inserted as an HTML snippet, the raw code will appear in the email instead of rendering properly.

Let’s say you have all of the following HTML code stored in a custom field:
<a href="https://google.com/">Click here to visit Google</a>

Currently, if you insert that field into your email using a wildcard, the output appears as:
Click here to visit Google

But after the change, if you don't convert that field to HTML snippet, the email will display the entire code (instead of just the 'output'):
<a href="https://google.com/">Click here to visit Google</a>

What Do I Need To Do?

If you use fields to store HTML code that you insert into emails as wildcards, you will need to 'convert' those fields to the new 'HTML Snippet' field type that we have introduced.  

In the guide below, we'll walk you through the process of converting any affected fields into 'HTML Snippet' fields.

You only need to do this for fields which you are using to store HTML code which you then insert into your emails as wildcards.

How-to Guide

1. Navigate to Lists & Forms in the sidebar.
2. Locate the list you wish to edit and double-click on it. The list will open in Forms view.
3. Over on the right hand side, locate the Fields panel.
   
4. Click the pencil icon next to the field in which you are currently storing HTML code, to edit it.
5. Click Convert.
6. 
7. Set the field type to HTML Snippet.
   
8. Press Convert.
9. Repeat steps 3 - 7 for any other field types on this list that need converting.
10. When done, press Save to save your changes.
11. Repeat these steps for any other lists that you need to convert fields on.