Accessing Data Events in the App Designer
Data events allow you to extend your Fulcrum app using JavaScript to automate workflows, validate inputs, and guide how data behaves. You can access the Data Events editor from App Settings in the App Designer.
If you have code in the data event field, located in the app settings section of the app designer, in your app, then data events have been enabled for your app.
Data events are processed on the device while the record is being created or edited. Keeping your logic lightweight improves performance.
How Data Events Work
Unlike calculation fields, which update continuously as users type, data events are not constantly being run in the background when a record is being filled out or edited. In order to get the code to run, the data event must be set up with an event trigger that will state when the function should be run. Data events only run when their defined triggers fire. This ensures your logic executes at the exact moment it’s needed.
Common Event Triggers
Data events rely on event triggers—specific points in the workflow where your JavaScript should run.
ON('load-record')– when a record is opened.ON('change', field)– when a field value changes.ON('add-photo')– when a photo is added.ON('validate-record')– when the record is submitted.
Also, multiple event triggers can be used to activate the same function. This allows you to make sure that the data event is run at the correct time.
Avoid adding too many triggers to a single function. This can make debugging difficult and slow down the user’s device.
Setting Up a Validation Example
The animation below demonstrates how to navigate to the Data Events editor and add JavaScript inside it.
Opening App Settings.
Selecting the Data Events panel.
Adding custom JavaScript.
Placing triggers to determine when the logic runs
Expected Outcome
After data events are configured:
Your JavaScript will run only when its associated triggers fire.
You can enforce rules, guide user behavior, or automate workflows.
The logic applies consistently to all users in the same app.
Notes
Always test your data events in a sandbox app before publishing changes to production.
Data events execute on the device, so test on both iOS and Android when possible.
Use clear naming and comments inside your JavaScript for long-term maintainability.