Add a Description to Custom Fields for Outreach AI

Objective

Add a plain-language description to a custom field so Outreach AI can use it as context when generating answers that reference that field.

Applies To

Admins with access to field configuration in Administration > Records, for Prospects, Accounts, Opportunities, Products, and Purchases.

Before You Begin

• The description is used by Outreach AI only. Reps will not see it on the record.
• If the custom field is mapped to Salesforce, you can import its description instead of typing one.

Overview

Custom fields such as "Custom field 7" or "Ops-Count" do not tell Outreach AI what the field means. Adding a description gives Outreach AI the context it needs to interpret the field correctly and use it accurately in responses, including in Omni.

If a field is left without a description, Outreach AI falls back to interpreting it from the field label alone.

Procedure

1. Log in to Outreach as an Admin.
2. Go to Administration > Records, then select Prospects, Accounts, Opportunities, Products, or Purchases.
3. Find the custom field you want to update and click the edit icon.
4. In the Configure Field dialog, enter a short, plain-language explanation in the Description for AI field.
5. Optional: If the field is mapped to Salesforce, click Import to pull in the description from the corresponding Salesforce field.
6. Click Save.

The description is saved with the field and is available to Outreach AI the next time it reasons over that field.

FAQ

Who can add or edit a field description?

Only admins with access to field configuration in Administration. Access follows the same permissions as other field configuration.

Will reps see the description?

No. It is used by Outreach AI only.

What happens if I leave it blank?

Outreach AI interprets the field from its label alone.

Does this affect existing integrations?

No. The field is optional and does not change behavior for API requests that do not include it.