> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.monolithforensics.com/monolith/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.monolithforensics.com/monolith/monolith-features/settings/relay-settings/custom-field-options.md).

# Custom Field Options

Relay Custom Field Options control which custom fields are shown to requestors when they submit a request through Relay.

Custom fields can be used to collect additional information from requestors during the intake process. These fields can apply to the overall inquiry or to evidence items included in the request.

Inquiry custom fields can also be mapped to Monolith case custom fields. This allows information submitted through Relay to carry forward when an inquiry is used to create or merge into a Monolith case.

### Custom Inquiry Fields

Custom Inquiry Fields collect additional information about the overall Relay request.

Examples may include:

* Legal authority provided
* Request priority
* Internal department
* Case subtype
* Requested service type
* Special handling instructions

When enabled for Relay, these fields are shown to requestors as part of the request form.

### Custom Evidence Fields

Custom Evidence Fields collect additional information about evidence items submitted with a Relay request.

Examples may include:

* Device condition
* Collection location
* Known passcode
* Search authority notes
* Requested extraction type
* Evidence-specific handling instructions

When enabled for Relay, these fields are shown when requestors add evidence items to their request.

<figure><img src="/files/Lepfw68VrBNoImiSuNCv" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Mapping Inquiry Fields to Case Custom Fields

Inquiry custom fields can be mapped to Monolith case custom fields.

This is useful when information collected during the Relay request should become part of the Monolith case record after the inquiry is accepted, merged, or used to create a case.

For example, your Relay request form may include a field called **Legal Authority Provided**. If your Monolith cases also have a matching case custom field, the inquiry response can be mapped into that case field so the information remains available on the case after intake.

<figure><img src="/files/DQ4RbXNj0wYFv0VWZQw6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Mapping helps prevent important Relay request information from being left only on the original inquiry. Use field mapping when a response should carry forward into the Monolith case record.
{% endhint %}

### Recommended Setup Workflow

To map a Relay inquiry field into a Monolith case custom field:

1. Create the **Custom Inquiry Field**.
2. Create the matching **Custom Case Field**.
3. Edit the Custom Inquiry Field and map it to the Custom Case Field.
4. Go to **Relay Settings > Custom Field Options**.
5. Enable the Custom Inquiry Field for Relay.
6. When an inquiry is used to create or merge into a Monolith case, the mapped inquiry field value is carried into the selected case custom field.

### Create the Custom Inquiry Field

To create a Custom Inquiry Field:

1. Open **Settings**.
2. Select **Custom Fields**.
3. Open the **Custom Inquiry Fields** section.
4. Click **Create Field**.
5. Enter the field name.
6. Select the editor type.
7. Configure any required options, such as selection options for a drop-down field.
8. Add a description if helpful.
9. Save the field.

The field description can help requestors understand what information they should provide.

### Create the Custom Case Field

To create the matching Custom Case Field:

1. Open **Settings**.
2. Select **Custom Fields**.
3. Open the **Custom Case Fields** section.
4. Click **Create Field**.
5. Create the case field that should store the information from the Relay inquiry.
6. Save the field.

The Custom Case Field is where the mapped inquiry response will be stored after the Relay inquiry is converted or merged into a Monolith case.

### Map the Inquiry Field to the Case Field

After both fields have been created, edit the Custom Inquiry Field.

To map the inquiry field:

1. Open **Settings**.
2. Select **Custom Fields**.
3. Open the **Custom Inquiry Fields** section.
4. Find the inquiry field you want to map.
5. Click **Edit**.
6. Find the **Case Field Mapping** option.
7. Select the appropriate mapping option.
8. Choose the Custom Case Field that should receive the inquiry response.
9. Save the field.

If the inquiry field should not map to a case field, leave the mapping set to **None**.

### Enable the Field for Relay

Creating and mapping a custom field does not automatically make it visible to Relay requestors.

To show the field on the Relay request form:

1. Open **Settings**.
2. Select **Relay Settings**.
3. Select **Custom Field Options**.
4. Find the custom field you want to show in Relay.
5. Enable the field.

After the field is enabled, requestors can complete it when submitting a Relay request.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Only enable fields that requestors should see and complete in Relay. Enabled fields are available on the Relay request form.
{% endhint %}

### Example: Legal Authority Provided

A lab may want requestors to confirm whether legal authority documents have been attached to the request.

Example setup:

| Field              | Example Value                                                      |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Inquiry Field Name | Legal Authority Provided                                           |
| Editor Type        | Drop Down Menu                                                     |
| Selection Options  | Yes, No                                                            |
| Required           | Yes                                                                |
| Description        | Have the proper authority documents been attached to this request? |
| Case Field Mapping | Custom Case Field                                                  |

In this example, the requestor answers the field in Relay. When the inquiry is used to create or merge into a Monolith case, the response is saved into the mapped Monolith case custom field.

### Best Practices

* Create the Monolith case custom field before mapping the inquiry field.
* Use clear field names that requestors will understand.
* Add descriptions when a field needs additional context.
* Mark fields as required only when the requestor must provide the information before submitting.
* Map inquiry fields to case custom fields when the information should remain part of the case record.
* Review enabled Relay fields periodically to make sure the request form stays clear and relevant.