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Custom Objects.

Creating and Editing Custom Objects

See where Custom Objects work in GHL Customer Care and follow clear steps to create, edit, and delete them—plus FAQs and links to workflows and SmartLists.

5 min read1,168 words8 explained imagesUpdated Wed, 4 Mar at 4:39 AM
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On this page
  1. Key Benefits of Custom Objects
  2. Field Types & Unique Fields
  3. Associations & Labels
  4. Where You Can Use Custom Objects
  5. How To Set Up Custom Objects
  6. Step 1 — Create the Object
  7. Step 2 — Add Details about the Object
  8. Step 3 — Edit Object Details
  9. Optional — Delete a Custom Object (Irreversible)
  10. Using Custom Objects in Workflows (Automation)
  11. Available triggers for Custom Object workflows
  12. Available actions for Custom Object workflows
  13. How to create a Custom Object workflow
  14. Frequently Asked Questions
  15. Related Articles

Create and manage Custom Objects in GHL Customer Care to model data beyond Contacts and Opportunities—like Properties, Pets, Cases, or Vehicles. This guide shows where Custom Objects are supported across the app, how to set them up step-by-step, plus FAQs and links to related features such as SmartLists, Workflows, and Dashboards.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a Custom Object?

Custom Objects let you define brand-new record types—each with its own fields, associations, and automations—so your CRM mirrors your real-world processes. They’re ideal when standard objects aren’t enough (e.g., tracking a “Property” with MLS, Bedrooms, Status; or a “Pet” with Breed, Vaccinations). After you create an object, you can use it across views, filters, and automations.

Key Benefits of Custom Objects

Understanding the practical upside helps you design data models that stay flexible and future-proof.

  • Flexibility: define any entity with custom fields, labels, and associations.

  • Automation: trigger workflows on create/update and run object-specific actions.

  • Insights: analyze object data via SmartLists and List View, then filter precisely with Advanced Filters.

  • Governance: maintain integrity with clear ownership—admins manage object definitions.

  • Plan access & limits: available on all plans; up to 10 Custom Objects per location.

Field Types & Unique Fields 

Choosing the right field types and uniqueness rules keeps your data clean and merge-friendly.

  • Supported unique field types today: Single Line Text, Multi Line Text, Number, Phone.

  • Limit: up to 10 unique fields per object.

  • Scope: uniqueness is enforced across the sub-account and across all entry points (UI, Workflows, Forms, API).

  • Irreversible change: if you downgrade a unique field to non-unique, you cannot make it unique again.

Associations & Labels

Associations connect records (e.g., Opportunity ↔ Property) to reflect real-world relationships and power cross-object views.

  • Define many-to-many or one-to-many links between objects.

  • Use associations in SmartLists, filters, and automations.

  • Label limits: up to 10 unique labels between any two objects (for clarity like “Buyer Of,” “Listed On”).

  • Opportunities now support flexible associations to Custom Objects for a unified pipeline context.

Associations & Labels (image 1 of 8) What this shows Define many-to-many or one-to-many links between objects. What this shows Illustrates the "Associations & Labels" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". This animation appears in the "Associations & Labels" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". The text alongside this image reads: Define many-to-many or one-to-many links between objects. Use associations in SmartLists, filters, and automations. Label limits: up to 10 unique labels between any two objects (for clarity like “Buyer Of,” “Listed On”). Opportunities now support flexible associations to Custom Objects for a…. Immediately after, the guide continues: Choosing the right surfaces for Custom Objects ensures your build is both powerful and compatible. Use this matrix to see current availability and plan implementations confidently. Image 1 of 8 What this coversDefine many-to-many or one-to-many links between objects. Use associations in SmartLists, filters, and automations. Label limits: up to 10 unique labels between any two objects (for clarity like “Buyer Of,” “Listed On”). Opportunities now support flexible associations to Custom Objects for a unified pipeline context.
Buttons and menus referenced 10 unique labels
Next stepChoosing the right surfaces for Custom Objects ensures your build is both powerful and compatible. Use this matrix to see current availability and plan implementations confidently.
All 4 steps in this procedure
  1. Define many-to-many or one-to-many links between objects.
  2. Use associations in SmartLists, filters, and automations.
  3. Label limits: up to 10 unique labels between any two objects (for clarity like “Buyer Of,” “Listed On”).
  4. Opportunities now support flexible associations to Custom Objects for a unified pipeline context.

Where You Can Use Custom Objects 

Choosing the right surfaces for Custom Objects ensures your build is both powerful and compatible. Use this matrix to see current availability and plan implementations confidently.

AvailabilityFeatures
SupportedContacts & Opportunities (associations), Workflows (triggers & actions), Forms, Surveys & Quizzes, SmartLists, List View, Advanced Filters, Reporting/Dashboards, APIs, Webhooks, Tasks
Not supportedEmail Campaigns, Bulk Email, Bulk SMS, Conversations UI, Funnels & Websites (dynamic CO data), Calendars & Scheduling, Reputation/Reviews, Payments & Invoicing, Company object internals
Coming soonNotes, Funnels & Websites (dynamic binding), AI Knowledgebase, Emails via Workflow to associated contacts

How To Set Up Custom Objects

A clean initial setup ensures stable automation and reporting as your model grows. The steps below are sourced from Creating and Editing Custom Objects and lightly clarified for readability.

Step 1 — Create the Object

  1. Go to Sub-account → Settings → Objects.

  2. Click Add Custom Object.

    Step 2 of 2: Click Add Custom Object What this shows Step 2 of 2: Click Add Custom Object. What this shows Shows what to click for step 2 of 2 in the "Step 1 — Create the Object" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Step 1 — Create the Object" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". At this point in the walkthrough you click Add Custom Object. For context, this section explains: Go to Sub-account → Settings → Objects. Click Add Custom Object. Step 2 of 2Image 2 of 8 What to clickClick Add Custom Object.
    Buttons and menus referenced Add Custom ObjectSub-account → Settings → Objects
    All 2 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Sub-account → Settings → Objects.
    2. Click Add Custom Object. this image

Step 2 — Add Details about the Object

  1. Enter the Singular name (e.g., Pet).

  2. Enter the Plural name (e.g., Pets).

  3. Review the Internal Name and Primary field (created by default). You can adjust the internal name during creation by clicking </>.

  4. Provide a label for the Primary display field (e.g., Pet Name, Pet Identification Number).

  5. Choose an Icon and add a Description to help your team understand the object’s purpose.

  6. Click Create Custom Object.

    Step 6 of 6: Click Create Custom Object What this shows Step 6 of 6: Click Create Custom Object. What this shows Shows what to click for step 6 of 6 in the "Step 2 — Add Details about the Object" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". This screenshot accompanies step 6 of 6 in the "Step 2 — Add Details about the Object" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". At this point in the walkthrough you click Create Custom Object. For context, this section explains: Enter the Singular name (e.g., Pet). Enter the Plural name (e.g., Pets). Review the Internal Name and Primary field (created by default). You can adjust the internal name during creation by clicking. Provide a label for the Primary display field (e.g., Pet Name, Pet Identification Number)…. Step 6 of 6Image 3 of 8 What to clickClick Create Custom Object.
    Buttons and menus referenced Create Custom ObjectSingular namePlural nameInternal NamePrimary fieldduring creation</>Primary display fieldIconDescription
    All 6 steps in this procedure
    1. Enter the Singular name (e.g., Pet).
    2. Enter the Plural name (e.g., Pets).
    3. Review the Internal Name and Primary field (created by default). You can adjust the internal name during creation by clicking </>.
    4. Provide a label for the Primary display field (e.g., Pet Name, Pet Identification Number).
    5. Choose an Icon and add a Description to help your team understand the object’s purpose.
    6. Click Create Custom Object. this image

Step 3 — Edit Object Details

  1. After creation, the object appears on the Objects page.

  2. Click the object to open and adjust its details.

    Step 2 of 2: Click the object to open and adjust its details What this shows Step 2 of 2: Click the object to open and adjust its details. What this shows Shows what to click for step 2 of 2 in the "Step 3 — Edit Object Details" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Step 3 — Edit Object Details" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". At this point in the walkthrough you click the object to open and adjust its details. Step 2 of 2Image 4 of 8 What to clickClick the object to open and adjust its details.
    All 2 steps in this procedure
    1. After creation, the object appears on the Objects page.
    2. Click the object to open and adjust its details. this image

Optional — Delete a Custom Object (Irreversible)

  1. Click the ⋯ (three dots) next to the object’s name.

  2. Choose Delete.

  3. Type DELETE to confirm.

    Step 3 of 3: Type DELETE to confirm What this shows Step 3 of 3: Type DELETE to confirm. What this shows Shows what to fill in for step 3 of 3 in the "Optional — Delete a Custom Object (Irreversible)" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". This animation accompanies step 3 of 3 in the "Optional — Delete a Custom Object (Irreversible)" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". At this point in the walkthrough you type DELETE to confirm. For context, this section explains: Click the ⋯ (three dots) next to the object’s name. Choose Delete. Type DELETE to confirm. Step 3 of 3Image 5 of 8 What to fill inType DELETE to confirm.
    Buttons and menus referenced DELETE⋯ (three dots)Deleteobject-based workflows -[Custom Object] Created[Custom Object] ChangedInbound WebhookCustom WebhookGoogle SheetsHow to create a Custom Object workflowAutomation+ Create Workflow
    All 3 steps in this procedure
    1. Click the ⋯ (three dots) next to the object’s name.
    2. Choose Delete.
    3. Type DELETE to confirm. this image
     
Imp: Deletion removes the object and all records, associations, workflows, and custom fields linked to it; this cannot be recovered.

Using Custom Objects in Workflows (Automation)

Once you’ve created a Custom Object (and its fields/associations), you can automate processes around that object using object-based workflows - meaning the workflow “runs on” the Custom Object record itself (not just the Contact). This lets you trigger automation when a Custom Object record is created/updated and then take actions like creating/updating related records, clearing fields, or sending object data out to other tools.

Available triggers for Custom Object workflows

In object-based workflows, you can start automation using these trigger types:

Trigger nameWhat it does
[Custom Object] Created (e.g., Home Created)Starts the workflow when a Custom Object record is created.
[Custom Object] Changed (e.g., Home Changed)Starts the workflow when a Custom Object record is updated/changed.
Inbound WebhookStarts the workflow when an inbound webhook is received (useful for external system updates).

Available actions for Custom Object workflows

After a trigger fires, you can automate next steps using actions like:

Action nameWhat it does
Create [Custom Object] or Associated RecordCreates a new Custom Object record (or a record that’s associated to it).
Update [Custom Object] or Associated RecordUpdates fields on the Custom Object record (or an associated record).
Clear fields of [Custom Object] or Associated RecordClears selected fields on the Custom Object record (or an associated record).
Custom WebhookSends Custom Object data to an external endpoint.
Google SheetsSends/logs Custom Object data to a Google Sheet.

You can also combine Custom Object automation with common workflow utilities like If/Else, Wait, Go To, Formatters, Update Custom Value, Add/Remove from Workflow, and more to build more advanced logic.

How to create a Custom Object workflow

  1. Go to Automation and click on + Create Workflow → [Custom Object] based workflow you want to build the workflow around (for example: Home, Vehicle, Policy, Pet, etc.).
    Step 1 of 3: Go to Automation and click on + Create Workflow → [Custom Object]… What this shows Step 1 of 3: Go to Automation and click on + Create Workflow → [Custom Object] based workflow you want to build the workflow around (for example: Home… What this shows Shows where to go for step 1 of 3 in the "How to create a Custom Object workflow" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 3 in the "How to create a Custom Object workflow" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". At this point in the walkthrough you go to Automation and click on + Create Workflow → [Custom Object] based workflow you want to build the workflow around (for example: Home, Vehicle, Policy, Pet, etc.). The next step is to add a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed. Step 1 of 3Image 6 of 8 Where to goGo to Automation and click on + Create Workflow → [Custom Object] based workflow you want to build the workflow around (for example: Home, Vehicle, Policy, Pet, etc.).
    Buttons and menus referenced Automation+ Create Workflow→ [Custom Object] based workflow⋯ (three dots)DeleteDELETEobject-based workflows -[Custom Object] Created[Custom Object] ChangedInbound WebhookCustom WebhookGoogle Sheets
    Next stepAdd a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed.
    All 3 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Automation and click on + Create Workflow → [Custom Object] based workflow you want to build the workflow around (for example: Home, Vehicle, Policy, Pet, etc.). this image
    2. Add a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed.
    3. Add the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish.

  2. Add a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed.

    Step 2 of 3: Add a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed What this shows Step 2 of 3: Add a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 2 of 3 in the "How to create a Custom Object workflow" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 3 in the "How to create a Custom Object workflow" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". At this point in the walkthrough you add a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed. The next step is to add the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish. Step 2 of 3Image 7 of 8 What this coversAdd a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed.
    Buttons and menus referenced ⋯ (three dots)DeleteDELETEobject-based workflows -[Custom Object] Created[Custom Object] ChangedInbound WebhookCustom WebhookGoogle SheetsHow to create a Custom Object workflowAutomation+ Create Workflow
    Next stepAdd the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish.
    All 3 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Automation and click on + Create Workflow → [Custom Object] based workflow you want to build the workflow around (for example: Home, Vehicle, Policy, Pet, etc.).
    2. Add a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed. this image
    3. Add the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish.
  3. Add the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish.
    Step 3 of 3: Add the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish What this shows Step 3 of 3: Add the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish. What this shows Shows how to confirm for step 3 of 3 in the "How to create a Custom Object workflow" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". This animation accompanies step 3 of 3 in the "How to create a Custom Object workflow" section of "Creating and Editing Custom Objects". At this point in the walkthrough you add the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish. Step 3 of 3Image 8 of 8 How to confirmAdd the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish.
    Buttons and menus referenced ⋯ (three dots)DeleteDELETEobject-based workflows -[Custom Object] Created[Custom Object] ChangedInbound WebhookCustom WebhookGoogle SheetsHow to create a Custom Object workflowAutomation+ Create Workflow
    All 3 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Automation and click on + Create Workflow → [Custom Object] based workflow you want to build the workflow around (for example: Home, Vehicle, Policy, Pet, etc.).
    2. Add a trigger, then configure conditions/filters as needed.
    3. Add the workflow actions you want to run, then Publish. this image
     
To learn more: Using Custom Objects in workflow triggers and actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who can create or edit Custom Objects?
Only admins at the location level. Regular users have read-only access.


Q. How many Custom Objects can I create?
Up to 10 per location across all plans.

Q. Can I change the Internal Name or Primary Display Field later?
No—once the object is created, these fields are not editable.

Q. Where are Custom Objects supported today?
See the Support Matrix table above for current availability and planned surfaces.

Q. What happens if I delete a Custom Object?
Deletion is permanent and removes the object and all related records, associations, workflows, and custom fields.

Q. How do I automate actions when a Custom Object is created or updated?
Use Custom Object triggers and actions in Workflows (e.g., create/update/clear, find record, webhooks).

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