When attempting to change the field type or delete a field containing existing data in your project, you'll receive one of the following error messages:
- "This field type cannot be edited because it contains data."
- "Unable to delete a field that has existing data. Please remove any data from the field before deleting."
To prevent this error, you must first clear any existing data from the field you wish to change or delete:
- Select all records in your project, open the three-dot overflow menu, and choose Download metadata to export a metadata spreadsheet.
- Save these exported records in a safe place. You'll use this spreadsheet to re-import your data after clearing the field.
- At this time, exporting project records is limited to the rows visible in the project table with a maximum of 250 items per page. If your project contains more than 250 records, please export records one page at a time.
- Create a copy of your exported metadata spreadsheet and save it as a separate file from your original preserved data.
- In your copied spreadsheet, enter the word CLEAR (case-sensitive) in each row under the column corresponding to the field that you wish to clear and save your changes.
- Return to your project, open the Add drop-down menu, and select Import Metadata to import your copied spreadsheet.
On import, the system will recognize the CLEAR command and remove all values from the corresponding field. You can now change the field type or delete the field from your project and, if applicable, use your original exported metadata spreadsheet to re-import your data into the updated field.