Changing Field "Type" in Hosted Feature Layer

[jbrummer]

Hello all! Is it possible to change the "type" of a field in a hosted feature layer. I currently have one that is set as small Integer, but I need it to be String so that I can include letters. We have about 20,000 assets that actively use this field. 

[CodyPatterson · Accepted solution]

Hey @jbrummer 

At this time, doesn't appear so, check out this link here:

https://support.esri.com/en-us/knowledge-base/faq-is-it-possible-to-change-the-field-data-type-creat...

Cody

[EmilyGeo · Accepted solution]

Hi @jbrummer, 

Changing a field type is not supported at this time. However, here is one possible workaround for you.

1. Add a new text field

2. Calculate the new field based on the existing field so that you don't lose any existing data.

3. Use the new field for future data collection so you can combine both letters and numbers moving forward.