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How-to guide

How to create a URL field

Create a custom URL field on any standard or custom object so a record can link to an external web address. You need permission to customize the object, usually the Customize Application permission.

By Dipojjal Chakrabarti · Founder & Editor, Salesforce DictionaryLast updated Jun 16, 2026

Create a custom URL field on any standard or custom object so a record can link to an external web address. You need permission to customize the object, usually the Customize Application permission.

  1. Open the object in Object Manager

    In Setup, go to Object Manager, pick the object (for example Account), then open Fields and Relationships and click New.

  2. Choose the URL data type

    On the data type step, select URL, then click Next. This is what makes the value render as a clickable link instead of plain text.

  3. Name and describe the field

    Enter a Field Label, let the API name fill in, and add help text so users know what address belongs here. Click Next.

  4. Set visibility and add to layouts

    Choose which profiles can see or edit the field with field-level security, confirm the page layouts to add it to, then click Save.

Mandatory fields
Data Typerequired

Must be set to URL so the value displays as a hyperlink and is capped at 255 characters.

Field Labelrequired

The human-readable name shown on the page layout, for example Partner Portal or Website.

Field Name (API Name)required

The unique developer name used in formulas, Apex, SOQL, and the API; auto-suggested from the label.

Gotchas
  • The value is limited to 255 characters; longer links need a Long Text Area plus a HYPERLINK formula or a child record.
  • Salesforce does not check that the link works or that the destination is safe, so add a validation rule if you need to enforce https:// or block bad domains.
  • Addresses entered without a protocol may show an http:// prefix in reports because Salesforce prepends it on display.

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