---
title: "Deleting or changing Custom Attributes"
slug: "deleting-or-changing-custom-attributes"
updated: 2025-10-28T14:41:10Z
published: 2025-10-28T14:41:10Z
canonical: "docs.mapp.com/deleting-or-changing-custom-attributes"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deleting or changing Custom Attributes

Mapp Engage allows you to create Custom Attributes, but you cannot delete them or change their data type directly in the user interface.

## Changing an Attribute’s Data Type

Each attribute can be created in one of several data types: Boolean, Date, String, or Number.

- The data type determines how the attribute can be used. For example, numbers cannot be sorted correctly if they are stored as Strings.
- If you need to change the data type, Mapp can do this for you on request.

> [!WARNING]
> **Important**
> 
> If an attribute contains values that cannot be converted into the new data type, those values will be deleted.
> 
> - Example: Numbers stored as text can usually be converted into Number format. But if some entries contain non-numeric characters, those values will be lost.

### What to do:

1. Make sure you fully understand the risks of changing an attribute type.
2. If you are confident it is safe, send a written request to your Account Manager with:
  - Your Mapp Engage system details
  - The attribute name
  - The new data type
3. If you are unsure, contact your Account Manager to arrange a technical review of your system.

---

## Deleting an Attribute

Attributes cannot be permanently deleted directly in the interface. You can only archive them.

- Archiving hides the attribute from the list but keeps it available for segments, imports, and exports.
- Permanent deletion removes the attribute and all its stored data. Once deleted, the attribute cannot be used in campaigns, segments, triggers, or whiteboards.

> [!WARNING]
> **Warning:**
> 
> If any workflows or processes still rely on the attribute, they will stop working after deletion.
> 
> You must be certain that deletion will not cause problems before requesting it.

### What to do:

1. Archive the attribute(s) in the User Interface.
2. Send a written request to your Account Manager with:
  - Your Mapp Engage system details
  - The attribute(s) to be deleted

**Note**: Mapp will only delete attributes that have first been set to the *Archived*status.

---

## Backup Before Making Changes

Before deleting or changing any attribute:

- Export your contacts from Mapp Engage using a Raw Data Export.
- Include the attribute in the export parameters and download the list.
- This backup allows you to restore the values if needed.

*Knowledge Base Reference ID: 202202271328*