IDs and Numbers: What Are They?
IDs and numbers are used as classifiers to identify and distinguish various items within Productive, but they serve different purposes.
What is an ID?
An ID is a unique identifier assigned to each item on the platform, such as a task, project, person, or budget.
It is a system-generated value that serves as a permanent reference to a specific item and cannot be modified or manually assigned.
You can find an ID:
In the URL of the item.
By creating a custom view with the ID field, where IDs for each entity are displayed in one place.
Why IDs Are Important:
IDs are essential for backend operations and data integrity.
You can always find an item using its ID through quick search (more details below).
What is a Number?
A number is a distinct attribute associated with an item. Unlike IDs, numbers can have custom schemes or specific contexts within the platform.
By default:
Numbers are auto-generated, starting from 1.
You can define your own numbering scheme for some objects (learn more about this here).
For example, this would be a task number:
And here's an example of a budget number, found in the budget sidebar:
Why Numbers Are Useful:
Numbers provide insight into creation order or importance.
They are ideal for identifying specific objects like invoices, budgets, or tasks.
Searching by ID or Number
Quick Search
To locate a project, deal, invoice, or budget by their ID or Number, use the quick search options available in specific tabs:
Budgets tab for budget numbers.
Projects tab for project numbers.
Invoicing tab for invoice numbers.
When using quick search:
Do not include the '#' prefix when searching for numbers (e.g., search for "123" instead of "#123").
Global Search
Currently, the global search (crtl +s, cmd +k) bar does not support searching by IDs or numbers. You must navigate to the relevant tab (e.g., Budgets, Projects, or Invoicing) to search.
Pro Tip
Include the ID and Number fields in your custom views for easier reference.
In Summary
IDs are unique, permanent system-generated identifiers used for backend operations.
Numbers are customizable, user-defined attributes that provide context and order.
Searching by ID or Number is currently limited to quick search within specific tabs.