A field type is a global definition for an index field. An index field is a keyword used to retrieve a document after it has been exported to permanent storage.

Field types provide an efficient way to set up index fields and their validation criteria. You can define a pool of field types, and then select from this pool when you define document classes.

For example, a field type named Address can be defined once, and then be used by all varieties of document classes requiring an address for an index field. When the index field for the address information is defined, it is simply a matter of selecting Address from the list of defined field types.

You create new field types on the Create Field Types window.

You edit field types on the Field Type Properties window.