---
title: Task Subject Field & Task Details Customization
type: article
created: '2025-10-31'
updated: '2025-10-31'
source_docs:
- raw/2025-10-31-salesforce-call-98340723.md
tags:
- salesforce
- tasks
- customization
- workflow
- quarra-stone
layer: 2
client_source: null
industry_context: null
transferable: true
---

# Task Subject Field & Task Details Customization

## Overview

The default Salesforce task subject dropdown is too limited for teams with varied, detailed workflows. The recommended approach is to keep the subject dropdown concise with a curated list of general categories, and supplement it with an optional free-text **Task Details** field on the task object for additional context and instructions.

This pattern was identified and agreed upon during a Salesforce workflow review with [[clients/quarra-stone/index|Quarra Stone]].

## Problem

The default task subject dropdown in Salesforce offers a limited set of options that don't reflect the actual work being tracked. For a team like Quarra Stone's sales operation — which needs to assign tasks like developing estimates, releasing sample tickets, or routing work to drafters — the out-of-box options are insufficient.

Expanding the dropdown indefinitely is also not the solution: a bloated subject list becomes hard to scan and defeats the purpose of a structured field.

## Solution

Two complementary changes address this:

### 1. Curated Subject Dropdown

Replace or augment the default subject options with a short, role-appropriate list of general task categories. Known candidates include:

- **Develop Estimate** (confirmed)
- *(Additional options to be provided by the client — see [[clients/quarra-stone/index|Quarra Stone]] action items)*

The goal is a concise list of high-level task types that cover the majority of use cases without becoming exhaustive.

### 2. Optional "Task Details" Text Field

Add a new optional free-text field called **Task Details** to the task object. This field:

- Allows the task creator to provide specific instructions, context, or sub-steps
- Keeps the subject dropdown short and scannable
- Is **not required** — users fill it in only when additional detail is needed

**Example usage:**
- Subject: `Develop Estimate`
- Task Details: `Release sample ticket per instructions to the drafter; coordinate with design team on material spec`

## Implementation Notes

- The "Task Details" field should be added to the task object layout so it appears alongside the existing subject, due date, and assignee fields
- The field should be optional (not required for save)
- Subject dropdown options should be finalized by the client before implementation to avoid rework

## Related Decisions

- This customization was discussed alongside the broader Salesforce workflow clarification for Quarra Stone: [[knowledge/salesforce/lead-vs-opportunity-workflow|Lead vs. Opportunity Workflow]]
- The Outlook-to-Salesforce email logging integration was discussed in the same session: [[knowledge/salesforce/outlook-email-logging|Outlook Email Logging via Salesforce Add-in]]

## Action Items (from originating meeting)

- [ ] Lincoln Durham to draft and send desired task subject list to Karly
- [ ] Karly Oykhman to add curated subjects to the dropdown and add the optional "Task Details" text field to the task object

## Client Context

First identified during the 2025-10-31 Salesforce workflow call with [[clients/quarra-stone/index|Quarra Stone]]. Lincoln Durham noted the need while discussing plans to have the sales team manage all activity — emails, tasks, and follow-ups — directly through Salesforce leads and opportunities.