# Contact fields across the inbox and AI

> Keep contact forms, the conversation panel, variables and agent write permissions aligned.

Canonical: https://valuechat.app/docs/contact-field-access
Category: Contacts & lead data

## Before you start

Use a test channel or sample conversation first. Confirm the result before applying the setup to production traffic.

## How it works

1. Definitions. Standard fields cover identity, contact information, location, biography, company and supported social profiles. Create extra typed Contact attributes from Settings; Conversation attributes are a different scope.

2. One record. Contacts and the customer panel in a conversation display the same contact record. Configured fields can be shown even when empty; zero and false are real values, not missing data.

3. Agent permissions. A field existing in the workspace does not automatically grant every agent permission to read or update it. Add the intended typed field/value references and update instructions in the agent skill.

4. Variables and mentions. Use $ for available contact values and variables, and @ for linked assignment, knowledge and other supported references. A displayed label is not an authorization rule; the saved reference identifies its target.

5. Columns. Customize the Contacts table columns and order for the account/user view. A hidden table column does not delete its field or saved value. Relevant field changes can invalidate qualification until reassessment.

## What to verify

- The expected channel, conversation, contact or execution is visible.
- The assignment matches the configured routing.
- No customer-facing message claims an action that failed.
- Activity or execution history explains the result.

## Need help?

support@valuechat.app. Never send API keys or passwords.