# Custom data fields explained

Learn about custom data fields for your research panel in Participant Kit.

Source: https://participantkit.com/help/courses/admin/data-fields

Video: https://www.loom.com/share/2ed94373ebdb4b80a27f56ee9d001a32

## Key Takeaways

💡 **Remember:** Custom field options must exactly match form answer options

🧪 **Try:** Create and configure custom fields before building forms - then you can select from existing options rather than typing them

⚠️ **Watch for:** Typos in form options vs custom fields - data will still save but won't be filterable in panels