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Cell Value Overriding

What Cell Value Overriding Does​

Cell value overriding allows a user to manually replace the displayed value of a cell even when that value normally comes from:

  • a formula
  • a lookup field

This is useful when you want a formula or lookup to provide a default value, but still allow a user to override that value for a specific record.

In other words:

  • the formula or lookup provides the default value
  • the user can replace it manually for one record
  • the original value can still be restored later

Why This Is Useful​

By default, cells driven by a formula or lookup are not directly editable. That is because the expression automatically controls the value.

Cell value overriding changes that behavior when explicitly enabled.

Common use cases include:

  • prefilled default pricing that sometimes needs a one-off adjustment
  • default status or assignment values that need to be changed manually
  • lookup-based values that should usually follow a source record, but sometimes need an exception
  • calculated values that should act as a starting point rather than a strict locked result

How to Enable Overrides​

To allow a formula or lookup value to be overridden:

  1. Select the cell.
  2. In the right-side details panel, locate the setting below the Formula field.
  3. Enable the Allow Override checkbox.

Once enabled, the cell supports manual overrides for individual records.

How It Works for Users​

When Allow Override is enabled, the cell shows a small pencil/edit icon.

Edit the Value​

  1. Click the pencil icon on the cell.
  2. Enter a new value manually.
  3. Save or confirm the change.

The new value overrides the formula or lookup result for that record only.

Revert to the Default Value​

After an override has been set, a revert icon appears on the cell.

  1. Click the revert icon.
  2. The manually entered value is removed.
  3. The cell returns to the original formula or lookup-driven value.

Edit Again Later​

After a value has been overridden, the pencil icon can still be used again to:

  • change the overridden value
  • replace it with a different manual value

This makes overrides flexible without removing the original default behavior.

Important Behavior​

Without Allow Override, cells with formulas or lookup values are normally not editable. This is expected behavior because the expression automatically controls the cell value.

With Allow Override enabled:

  • the formula or lookup still defines the default value
  • users may replace that value manually
  • the manual value applies only to that specific record
  • the original computed value can be restored at any time

Best Practices​

  • Use overrides when a formula or lookup should act as a default, not a strict final value.
  • Avoid enabling overrides on fields that must always remain system-controlled.
  • Use clear cell labels and descriptions so users understand when overriding is appropriate.
  • Revert overridden values when you want the cell to resume following the source formula or lookup logic.

Summary​

Cell value overriding gives you a hybrid approach:

  • automatic values from formulas or lookups by default
  • manual flexibility when a record needs an exception

This is especially useful for operational records where most values should be suggested automatically, but users still need controlled one-off edits.