Custom fields data not visible

[Bryce]

After importing contacts with custom fields, I cannot see the data in the custom fields. Here's what I did:

I created custom field sets and custom fields to match the columns in my CSV.
I chose my data source.
I matched the fields from my CSV with the default fields and the custom fields I created.
I previewed the import and verified that import data and fields matched.
I successfully imported the CSV.

However, when I look at the individual records, there is no data in my custom fields. What am I doing wrong?

[Hershel]

Hi Bryce. Can you run a test and make sure that if you manually enter data in someone's custom fields that it works?

[Bryce]

Thanks for your response. When I view the contact, the custom field show up, but the data is missing. When I edit the contact, the custom 'street data' and 'voter data' field sets don't even show up, but the custom 'social media' field set does show up. I entered the URL for FB in the social media field and saved the record. I could then view the record which included the FB URL. No other data in custom fields. What next?

[petednz]

since this just came up elsewhere - can you confirm what sort of field you are importing to - ie in the other problem the person was importing data to a 'select' list but didnt have that data as one of the options - probably unrelated but since it just came clear what his problem was .....

[Bryce]

First, I created a custom field set, 'voter data', used for individuals. The custom fields within this set include the 'voter ID' and various elections that they have voted in. These fields are 'view only'. When I preview the set, none of the fields are shown. When I preview the field, nothing is shown because it is 'view only'. I hope that answers your question. Also, when I go to add a new individual, none of my custom fields are visible.

[Hershel]

I see. You have made a mistake with your fields. Note that next "View Only?" on the field creation/edit page you will see this note:

Is this field set by PHP code (via a custom hook). This field will not be updated by CiviCRM.

That means that CiviCRM will never allow you to enter data there. This option is only meant for a site with custom PHP programming which will update these fields. You could try to uncheck that, run your import, and then check it again. If that is available.

[Bryce]

That worked. I unchecked the 'view only' box, and re-imported my data. Data in the custom fields is now visible. When I'm finished with all my imports, I will make the custom fields 'view only' again.