Data Field editor

The Data Field editor defines and verifies the metric Garmin displays inside an activity. It uses the same project saving and build foundations as the Watch Face editor, with controls specific to activity data.

Header

The header contains the project name, artifact type, target device, save status, and Build action. Changing the target device reruns compatibility checks. Build remains unavailable while a new draft has no saved edit or the selected device is unsupported.

Project structure

Display contains the primary output and any custom visual layers. Simple presentation keeps one Garmin-managed value. Custom presentation adds editable text, shape, gauge, and image layers.

Formulas define reusable computed values. They can read activity sources, convert units, handle null values, compare thresholds, and keep session or lap state.

Zones, Alerts, and FIT fields add activity behavior. They are validated before generation so issues can point back to the owning range, condition, or FIT field.

Activity preview

The center stage shows the value inside an activity-field region. It is not a watch-face preview. Native/simple presentation delegates final typography and placement to Garmin, while the preview verifies the value, label, unit, scenario, and missing-data state.

Custom presentation uses a visual canvas for full, large, compact, and minimal activity layouts. Click or drag across empty canvas space to select layers; hold Shift to add to the selection. Selected layers move and resize together. Arrow keys nudge the selection, Shift plus an arrow moves farther, and Option/Alt-drag duplicates it. Use the context menu or standard copy, cut, paste, duplicate, delete, and arrange shortcuts for layer actions. Grid, Snap, and Guides help align the layout.

Inspector controls

The inspector follows the current selection:

• Primary output: source, formula, label, display unit, and missing-data fallback.
• Layer settings: content, style, visibility, lock state, and layout geometry.
• Behavior: zones, alerts, and FIT fields.
• Compatibility: selected-watch support and the minimum Connect IQ API level.

Text edits commit when you press Enter or leave the field. Escape restores the saved value. All controls are available by keyboard and retain visible focus.

Simulation strip

The footer switches directly between activity scenarios. Use it to verify unavailable data, paused timers, lap transitions, reset behavior, workout targets, active zones, and fired alerts. The scenarios do not depend on wall-clock time, motion, or private activity history.

Design checks

Resolve blocking compatibility and validation issues before building. Common causes include a source the watch does not expose, an unsupported feedback type, a formula unit mismatch, a custom layout overflow, or a custom FIT field collision.

See Save custom FIT data for FIT-specific rules.