How to Use Set Dimensions with Custom Fields

The Set Dimensions feature lets you automatically apply dimension values to a record whenever a user selects a specific custom field value. For example, when a user selects the value MARKETING in a custom Code field on a Sales Order, the system can automatically set Department = MARKETING on the order.

This only applies to Code and Text field types.

Before You Start

  • The custom field must already be defined on the Custom Fields Definitions page.
  • The field must be of type Code or Text.
  • You must have dimensions configured in Business Central (choose the Tell me what you want to do icon, enter Dimensions, and choose the related link).

Steps

1. Enable Set Dimensions on the Field

  1. Choose the Tell me what you want to do icon, enter Custom Fields Definitions, and choose the related link.
  2. Select the custom field you want to configure.
  3. Enable the Set Dimensions toggle.
  4. Close or move to the next step.

2. Define Custom Values for the Field

The dimension mapping is configured per value, so you must define the allowed values first.

  1. With the custom field selected on the Custom Fields Definitions page, choose the Values action.
  2. Add each value your users will select (for example: MARKETING, SALES, IT).
  3. Fill in the Description for each value.

3. Assign Dimensions to Each Value

On the Custom Fields Values page:

For Global Dimensions:

The two global dimensions (typically Department and Project) are shown directly as columns on the values list. Enter the appropriate dimension value code directly in the Global Dimension 1 Code and/or Global Dimension 2 Code columns for each value row.

For Other Dimensions:

  1. Select the value row.
  2. Choose the Dimensions action in the ribbon (keyboard shortcut: Alt+D).
  3. The standard dimension editor opens. Add each dimension and its value.
  4. Close the dimension editor.

Repeat for each value that should trigger dimension assignment.

4. Test the Feature

Navigate to a record that uses the custom field (for example, a Sales Order if the field is defined on Sales Header). Select a value in the custom field. The dimension values configured for that value should be automatically applied to the record's dimensions.

Note

If the record already has a dimension value set, the custom field dimension assignment will overwrite it. Make sure your users are aware of this behavior.

See Also