URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
URL is a Salesforce field data type that stores a web address as a clickable hyperlink - the field displays as a link on record pages, opens in a new tab when clicked, and stores the raw URL as text underneath.
Definition
URL is a Salesforce field data type that stores a web address as a clickable hyperlink - the field displays as a link on record pages, opens in a new tab when clicked, and stores the raw URL as text underneath. URL fields accept any valid URL syntax (no validation beyond basic format) and are the right type for website references, video links, document URLs, and any external resource a record should link to. Unlike a Text field with a URL inside, the URL field type renders as a live hyperlink without a formula.
In plain English
“URL is a Salesforce field data type that stores a web address (hyperlink). When displayed on record pages, it shows as a clickable link that opens in a new browser tab. It's how you store web links on Salesforce records.”
Worked example
A marketing admin at Crestside Publishing creates a custom URL field Video_Walkthrough__c on the Product object. Each product manager populates it with a link to the short explainer video hosted in their video-platform CMS. Rep-facing Lightning pages display the field as a clickable hyperlink that opens the video in a new tab - no formula, no custom link template. Reports filter Products to those missing the Video_Walkthrough__c value to drive a content-gap list for the PMs to fill.
Why URL (Uniform Resource Locator) matters
In Salesforce, URL is a field data type that stores a web address (hyperlink), displayed as a clickable link on record pages that opens the URL in a new browser tab when clicked. URL fields support both external web addresses and internal Salesforce links.
URL fields are straightforward but useful for linking records to external resources: company websites, documentation, support portals, or any web resource relevant to the record. Mature data models use URL fields when records need persistent links to external resources.
How organizations use URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
Uses URL fields on account records for customer website links.
Stores documentation links as URL fields on custom objects.
Uses URL fields for linking to external support portals.
Test your knowledge
Q1. What is a URL field?
Q2. How are they displayed?
Q3. What can they link to?
Discussion
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