How to Set Default Value in Custom Picklist Salesforce

Object Manager > [Object] > Fields and Relationships > Selected Picklist > Edit (picklist value)

Here is how to set default value in custom picklist Salesforce with an example:

Custom Picklist Default Example:

Opportunity Owner = Salesperson

Need Service User to help with Opportunity: Service User = Eric (Default)

In this case, we are taking a custom picklist that assigns a service representative to take a new opportunity. Since “Eric” is the service manager, we want him to be assigned to all new opportunities by default. This custom picklist will allow for list-view filtering that we have setup to say “Custom Field Assigned Rep = Eric”. Eric can look at incoming opportunities and if there is a need for service, he will be attached to the opportunity or he can delegate to his team by choosing a new member from the picklist.

This custom field is not the Opportunity Owner and gives us flexibility to keep the opportunity owner as the original Salesperson who brought the opportunity to the company, but also bring in other members of the company like service to work on the same opportunity without changing ownership.

Why Set Default Values in Custom Picklists in Salesforce

We primarily set defaults to save time. If a user doesn’t have to fill in fields, then they can focus on other areas. From things like “new” to help with stage flows or “manager check” to help with monitoring. The custom picklists give many options depending on what your company needs.

Once default picklists are populated, we can then run automations off of picklist values from the custom fields.

In our processes all new leads have a default stage they start in

Lead default value examples:

• Lead Contacted default = “Not Contacted”
• Lead Value default = “low value”

Opportunity default value examples:

• Payment default = “No Payment Collected”
• Turnaround time default = “14 Days”
• Additional Service User default = “manager”

If you’d like to discuss how we can create custom picklists for your organization, please get a free assessment with us!