How to Set Custom Field Values with the ClickUp API

The ClickUp API lets you update custom fields on tasks so your workflows stay aligned with your product, CRM, or automation stack. This guide explains how to use the setCustomFieldValue endpoint step by step.

What the ClickUp Set Custom Field Value Endpoint Does

The Set Custom Field Value endpoint updates a single custom field on a specific task. You can use it to sync data from external systems, power integrations, and keep reports accurate.

Key points about the endpoint:

• Targets a single task at a time.
• Updates one custom field per request.
• Requires the correct custom field ID and task ID.
• Validates your input type against the field’s configuration in ClickUp.

Understanding these basics helps you avoid common errors before you start coding.

ClickUp API Requirements and Authentication

Before calling the endpoint, you must authenticate with the platform. The ClickUp API uses a personal token or OAuth token passed as an HTTP header.

Required Headers for ClickUp Requests

Every request to this endpoint should include:

• Authorization: your API token.
• Content-Type: application/json for requests with a JSON body.

Never expose your token in client-side code. Keep it secure on your server or in a protected backend integration.

ClickUp Endpoint URL and Path Parameters

The Set Custom Field Value endpoint uses a POST request with task and field identifiers in the URL path.

Base Endpoint Structure in ClickUp

The general format is:

POST https://api.clickup.com/api/v2/task/{task_id}/field/{custom_field_id}

Path parameters:

• task_id: ID of the task you want to update.
• custom_field_id: ID of the custom field you are modifying.

You can find these IDs from prior API calls or from the custom field configuration in your workspace.

ClickUp Custom Field Value Request Body

The request body depends on the custom field type configured in ClickUp. The endpoint accepts different payloads for text, numbers, dates, lists, and other supported types.

Common Request Body Structure

Most custom field updates follow this pattern:

{
  "value": <field_value>
}

Examples:

• Text field: {"value": "New status from integration"}
• Number field: {"value": 42}
• Date field: {"value": 1711929600000} (Unix time in milliseconds)
• Dropdown: depends on the internal option IDs configured in ClickUp.

Refer to the official API reference for the exact schema for each field type.

Step-by-Step: Call the ClickUp Set Custom Field Value Endpoint

Follow these steps to update a field successfully.

1. Collect Required ClickUp IDs

You need the following:

• Task ID: from the task URL or a tasks API call.
• Custom field ID: from the custom field settings or lists API.
• Workspace token: your ClickUp API token.

2. Build the Request URL

Insert your IDs into the endpoint path:

https://api.clickup.com/api/v2/task/TASK_ID_HERE/field/CUSTOM_FIELD_ID_HERE

3. Add ClickUp Authorization Headers

Include the token and content type:

Authorization: YOUR_CLICKUP_TOKEN
Content-Type: application/json

4. Create the JSON Body

Match the value type to the field type in ClickUp. For example, to set a text field:

{
  "value": "Synced from external CRM"
}

5. Send the HTTP Request

Use your preferred tool:

• cURL
• Postman
• Server code in Node.js, Python, PHP, or another language

Check the response status code and body to confirm the change was applied.

Handling ClickUp API Responses

The API returns details about the updated task and field or an error object if the request fails.

Successful Update in ClickUp

On success, you can expect:

• HTTP 200 or 204 status (see the reference for exact codes).
• A JSON body with the updated field details, depending on the endpoint version.

Store relevant IDs or timestamps if you need to track synchronization events between systems.

Common Error Responses

Typical issues when working with this endpoint include:

• 401 Unauthorized: missing or invalid token.
• 403 Forbidden: token does not have rights to the space or list.
• 404 Not Found: invalid task ID or custom field ID in ClickUp.
• 400 Bad Request: incorrect body format or value type for the field.

Validate IDs, field types, and authentication if you receive one of these errors.

Best Practices for Using the ClickUp Custom Field API

To keep your automations stable and performant, follow these recommendations.

Validate Data Before Sending to ClickUp

Ensure your integration checks:

• Field type compatibility (text, number, date, etc.).
• Required vs optional fields.
• Value ranges or formats for custom logic.

Pre-validation reduces error responses and simplifies debugging.

Rate Limits and Performance

ClickUp enforces limits on API usage. When updating many tasks:

• Batch your operations where possible.
• Respect rate limit headers in responses.
• Retry failed requests with exponential backoff.

Design your integration to handle brief throttling without data loss.

Secure Your ClickUp Token

Protect your workspace by:

• Storing tokens in environment variables or a secrets manager.
• Rotating tokens periodically.
• Limiting token scope where possible.

A secure token strategy helps prevent unauthorized access to your data.

Advanced ClickUp Integration Tips

Once you master individual field updates, you can build more advanced automation flows.

Sync External Systems with ClickUp

You can mirror data from CRMs, billing tools, or product platforms into your tasks:

• Update revenue fields when invoices are paid.
• Sync customer tiers into account management tasks.
• Push deployment or build numbers into engineering cards.

This makes your workspace a live reflection of upstream systems.

Reporting and Dashboards in ClickUp

Consistent custom field values enhance dashboards and reports:

• Use numeric fields to track budgets and time.
• Use dropdowns for standardized statuses or categories.
• Combine fields in views for filtered lists and workload summaries.

The more consistent your automation is, the more value your reports deliver.

Official ClickUp API Documentation Reference

For complete parameter lists, field-specific schemas, and the latest updates, always refer to the official API documentation:

ClickUp Set Custom Field Value API reference

The documentation provides precise information on supported field types and any changes to the endpoint.

Improve Your ClickUp Integrations Further

If you need help designing robust automations or integrating this endpoint into a broader system, you can find implementation guidance and consulting support at Consultevo.

By following the steps and best practices in this guide, you can reliably update custom fields through the ClickUp API and keep all your task data in sync with the rest of your tech stack.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

Get Help

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