Custom Fields — Setup & Usage Guide
Custom fields allow you to store additional information on your listings and reservations beyond the standard fields provided by Hostify. They work as dynamic placeholders that can be used in automated messages, templates, and guest guides.
Where to Find Custom Fields
Navigate to Settings → Custom Fields in your Hostify account. Here you will see two tables:
Listing Custom Fields — fields that store information per property (e.g., WiFi password, parking instructions, heating instructions)
Reservation Custom Fields — fields that store information per booking (e.g., access code, guest preferences)
Creating a Custom Field
Click Add New to create a custom field. You need to provide:
Name — a descriptive name for the field (e.g., "WiFi Password", "Heating Instructions")
Type — the data type (see available types below)
Placeholder — an auto-generated code like
##{{custom_field_1234}}that you can use in templates and messages
Available Field Types
Type | Description | Use Case |
Text | Single-line text input | WiFi password, access code, short notes |
Long Text | Multi-line text area | Longer descriptions, instructions |
Number | Numeric value | Floor number, parking spot number |
Date | Date picker | License expiry, inspection date |
Time | Time picker | Quiet hours start, pool closing time |
Yes/No | Boolean toggle | Has parking, has elevator, pets on site |
Option | Dropdown with predefined choices | Property category, heating type |
RTF Text ✨ New | Rich text editor with formatting and images | Detailed manuals, equipment guides, illustrated instructions |
RTF Text — Rich Text Custom Fields
The RTF Text type is designed for content that requires formatting and visual elements. It opens a dedicated rich text editor (similar to the one used in Mr.GG templates) with the following capabilities:
Text formatting — bold, italic, underline, strikethrough
Headings — H1 through H4 for structured content
Lists — ordered and unordered lists
Colors — text color and background color
Alignment — left, center, right, justify
Links — clickable URLs
Images — upload images or paste from clipboard (images are automatically uploaded to cloud storage)
Image handling: When you paste an image from your clipboard into the RTF editor, it is automatically uploaded to cloud storage and replaced with a permanent URL. You can also click the image button in the toolbar to upload an image file directly. Images can be resized within the editor.
Note: RTF Text fields are currently available for Listing custom fields only (not Reservation custom fields).
Setting Values on Listings
After creating a custom field, you can set its value for each listing:
Go to Listings → [Your Listing] → Settings
Scroll down to the Custom Fields section
Select the field from the dropdown and enter the value
For RTF Text fields, a rich text editor modal will open where you can format your content
Click Save
Using Custom Fields as Placeholders
Each custom field has a unique placeholder code (e.g., ##{{custom_field_1234}}) that can be inserted into:
Automated messages — the placeholder is replaced with the listing-specific value when the message is sent
Mr.GG templates — house manuals, check-in instructions, directions, and emergency info templates
Rental agreement templates
Guest guide previews — when you assign a template to a listing, the preview shows the actual replaced values
To insert a placeholder in a template, open the Insert Placeholder dialog and look for the Listing Custom Fields section. Click on the placeholder to insert it into your content.
Example Use Case
Suppose you manage properties with different heating systems. You can:
Create an RTF Text custom field called "Heating Instructions"
For each listing, add formatted instructions with images showing the thermostat controls
In your house manual template, insert the
##{{custom_field_XXXX}}placeholderWhen a guest views the house manual, they see the full formatted heating instructions specific to that property
This approach lets you maintain a single house manual template while customizing specific sections per property.
Tips
Use descriptive names for your custom fields — they appear in placeholder dialogs and should be easy to identify
RTF Text fields support copy-paste from other documents — formatting and images are preserved
Custom field values are inherited by child listings from parent listings if no specific value is set
You can edit or delete custom field values from the listing settings page at any time