# Text

> Use a Text column for names, codes, and notes. Set a default value, length limits, and whether the column allows multiple lines.

A Text column stores plain text of any length: a name, a product code, a short note, or a longer description.

## When to use it

Use Text for words people read, search, filter, and sort. Typical examples are Product Name, Customer Reference, and Notes.

Pick a different type when the value has more structure:

- Headings, lists, or images: use [Rich Text](/docs/columns/rich-text).
- A full document with its own title and cover: use [Page](/docs/columns/page).
- An email address, phone number, or link: use [Email](/docs/columns/email), [Phone](/docs/columns/phone), or [URL](/docs/columns/url). They check the value and make it clickable.
- One value from a fixed list: use [Single Select](/docs/columns/single-select), so everyone spells it the same way.
- A record in another table, such as a customer: use a [Relation](/docs/columns/relation) instead of typing the name.

## Settings

| Setting | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Allow multiple lines** | Shows a wrapping editor and keeps line breaks. Best for descriptions and notes. |
| **Default value** | Text that is filled in automatically when someone creates a new record. |
| **Minimum Length** | The fewest characters a value can have. |
| **Maximum Length** | The most characters a value can have. New Text columns start at 255. Raise it for longer notes. |

**Minimum Length** is under **Show advanced options** when you create the column, and in **Edit property** afterwards.

## Tips

- Name the column after what it holds, such as "Supplier Reference" rather than "Text 1".
- A Text column can group a [kanban view](/docs/views/kanban) when the stages are free-form. If the stages are a real lifecycle, a [Status](/docs/columns/status) column works better.
- A Text column can be converted to Email, Phone, URL, Date, Number, Checkbox, Single Select, or Multi Select. Converting to a select creates one option for each different value. See [Change a column's type](/docs/columns#change-a-columns-type).
- A Text column is often the best **Display Field** for a [Relation](/docs/columns/relation), because it is what people see when they pick a record.

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Source: https://community.sapugo.app/docs/columns/text