Linked fields on linked fields let you chain linked fields together, enabling complex, multi-level data relationships. A linked field can display another linked field as its target, so values flow through long hierarchical chains without duplication or manual updates. This extends the existing linked field functionality and supports advanced organisational hierarchies and inherited data structures.
What you can do
- Choose a linked field as the Target Field of another linked field.
- Chain linked fields across multiple records and record types.
- Build deep hierarchical relationships without duplicating data.
- Pull values through multiple levels of linked records.
- Keep all linked values live and automatically updated.
- Chain to any depth required.
How linked field chaining works
Linked fields are created under Settings → Data & records → Custom fields: in a section, select Add Fields and choose the Linked Field type.
Every linked field has two settings in its Linked Field details:
- Source Field — a Record field on this record that links to another person or organisation (for example a Parent branch field on an organisation).
- Target Field — the field on that linked record whose value you want to display here.
To chain linked fields:
- Select the Source Field. Only Record fields that link to a person or organisation are offered.
- Open Target Field. Alongside ordinary fields, the list includes the linked record's own linked fields.
- Choose a linked field as the target. The field you are creating now displays whatever the chosen linked field displays, one level further up the chain.
- Give the field a Field label and select Create.
Values are resolved dynamically through the entire chain. The setup process is the same as creating any linked field — the only difference is that linked fields appear among the Target Field options. For how Record fields link people and organisations, see Record custom fields (linking people & organisations).
Example use cases
Multi-level organisation hierarchy
For a structure of Parent Company → Company → Store, a field from the Parent Company can be:
- Linked onto the Company record.
- Then linked again from the Company onto the Store.
- Then linked further onto a Person associated with that Store.
Each level pulls from the previous linked field, forming a complete chain.
Pulling parent company data onto people
- A Company record pulls data from its Parent Company using a linked field.
- A Person linked to that Company can then reference the Company's linked field.
- The Person now displays Parent Company data without a direct relationship to the Parent Company.
Live update behaviour
All linked field chains are live. If a value changes at the top of the chain, it automatically flows through:
- Linked fields on child records.
- Linked fields that reference other linked fields.
No manual refresh or reprocessing is required, which keeps data consistent across all dependent records.
Context and relationships
- Built on top of existing linked field and record field functionality.
- Works across People, Organisations and other supported record types.
- Ideal for complex organisational structures and inherited attributes.
- Reduces duplication and maintenance of hierarchical data.
- Fully compatible with reporting, Lists, automations and segmentation.
FAQs
What is a linked field on a linked field?
A linked field whose Target Field is another linked field, rather than an ordinary field on the linked record.
How deep can linked field chains go?
There is no practical limit — chains can be as deep as required.
Do values stay in sync?
Yes. All values are live and update automatically when the original value changes at the top of the chain.
Can this be used for organisational hierarchies?
Yes. It is designed for multi-level structures such as stores, companies and parent companies.
Does this change how linked fields are created?
No. The setup process is the same; linked fields simply appear among the Target Field options.
Will this impact performance?
Linked fields resolve dynamically, but complex chains should be designed thoughtfully for clarity and maintainability.