What Are Custom Fields?
Custom Fields allow senders to provide additional information when sending an eCard, such as:
Uploaded images
Custom text fields
Consent Form
The information entered by the sender can automatically populate your eCard design using merge tags and image placeholders. Custom Fields can be reused across multiple eCards through Presets, making it easier to create consistent sender experiences. Note: The Custom Fields feature is only available for Premium and Enterprise clients only.
Creating a Custom Field Preset
Custom Field Presets allow you to create a reusable set of fields that can be applied to all eCards in your widget.
Step 1: Open the Custom Fields Tab
Log in to your eCardWidget dashboard.
Open your Widget.
Select Custom Fields from the left navigation menu.
Step 2: Create a New Preset
Click the + New Preset button.
Enter a name for your preset.
Click Add Field.
Step 3: Add Your Fields
You can add various field types, including:
Short Text
Long Text
Email
Website
Phone
Number
Date
Time
Configure each field's:
Label
Default content - Pre-fills the field with this value (the sender can change it).
Placeholder - Faint hint shown inside the empty field.
Hint - Small helper text shown under the field.
Merge tag fallback value - If the sender leaves this field empty, its merge tag shows this value in the eCard instead of nothing.
Max length - Maximum number of characters the sender can enter.
You can also add other formatting options in the eCard form such as:
Label
Heading
Paragraph
Choice
Dropdowns
Consent
Click Save when finished.
Applying a Preset to an eCard
After creating your preset:
Open an eCard template.
Select the Custom Fields section.
Choose your preset.
Save the eCard.
Any updates made to the preset can be reused across other eCards that use the same preset.
Personal Message Options
Each widget with the custom fields feature includes settings for the built-in Personal Message field. You can:
Enable or disable the Personal Message field
Make the field required or optional
Rename the field label
Set a default message for senders
This allows you to guide senders while maintaining a consistent experience.
Example:
Field Label: "Why are you recognizing this person today?"
Default Message: "Thank you for your hard work and dedication."
Merge Tag Default Values
You can also define fallback values for built-in merge tags. These values appear whenever a sender leaves a field blank.
For example:
Sender Name → "Your Team"
Recipient Name → "Friend"
Department → "Organization"
This ensures your eCards always display meaningful content.
Adding Image Upload Fields using eCard-Specific Custom Fields
eCard-Specific Custom Fields are fields that are for specific eCards only or those that appear on the card image itself (recipient name in fancy script, photo upload, etc.).
Choose the eCard you want to edit.
Add fields. Click the location icon on a field to place it on the form canvas. Use the Widget Preview / Form Canvas toggle at the top to switch what the panel on the right shows.
Choose the custom field you want to add in the eCard design. You can add various field types, including:
Short Text
Long Text
Email
Website
Phone
Number
Date
Time
Image: Image Upload fields allow senders to upload photos that appear directly inside the eCard design.
Add the Image Upload field to the canvas.
Position the image placeholder where uploaded photos should appear.
Save your changes.
Understanding Widget Preview vs Form Canvas
When working with eCard Specific Custom Fields, you'll see two views:
Widget Preview
This view shows the sender experience. Use Widget Preview to:
Test forms
Upload images
Enter field values
Verify how personalization appears
Form Canvas
This view controls where dynamic content appears on the eCard. Use Form Canvas to:
Position text placeholders
Place image upload areas
Arrange personalized elements
Configure layout
If a field exists but is not displaying on the eCard, verify that it has been added to the Form Canvas.
Testing Your Custom Fields
Before publishing:
Open Widget Preview.
Complete the form as a sender.
Upload a test image if applicable.
Verify that all text and images appear correctly on the eCard.
Save and refresh if changes do not immediately appear.
Tip: If you recently added a new field or placeholder and it is not appearing in Preview, save your changes and reload the editor before testing again.
Best Practices
Use Presets whenever multiple eCards require the same fields.
Give fields clear labels and instructions.
Add image placeholders immediately after creating image upload fields.
Set merge tag defaults to avoid empty content.
Test every personalization field before publishing.
Need Help?
If you'd like assistance configuring Custom Fields or creating advanced personalized eCards, contact the eCardWidget support team and we'll be happy to help.