# Binding Flexcard elements to data with merge fields

*Omnistudio Developer Study Guide · Flexcards · Last updated October 27, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/omnistudio-developer/flexcards/binding-flexcard-elements-to-data-with-merge-fields*

How the Field, Text and Block elements display data-source values through merge fields, custom labels and context variables such as {recordId}, {objectApiName} and {User.property}, why the field picker can hide fields, and how input elements bind back to the data JSON.

- Certification: Salesforce Omnistudio Developer
- Exam section: Flexcards
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/omnistudio-developer

**Official exam objective:**

> Bind essential components to construct the Flexcards and configure their properties.

## What the exam expects

- Choose the Field, Text or Block element for a display requirement and fill its merge-field properties.
- Write merge fields for data fields, custom labels and context variables such as {recordId}, {objectApiName} and {User.userName}.
- Explain why a data source field is missing from the field picker.
- Bind an input element to a data field so user entries update the data JSON.

Key terms: **merge field** (a `{name}` token replaced by data at run time), **context variable** (a global or local variable such as {recordId} or {record}), **custom label** ({Label.name}), **Field Binding** (links an input element to a data source field).

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Field element | Placeholder, Label and Output accept merge fields and custom labels | [Display field](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_add_a_field_to_a_flexcard_30250.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Field picker | Lists only non-null fields of the test record | [Data source setup](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_configure_a_data_source_on_a_flexcard_35864.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Text editor | TinyMCE by default; Lightning Rich Text Editor optional | [Text element](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_add_a_text_element_to_a_flexcard_31067.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| Block | Preload Conditional Component on by default | [Block element](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_group_elements_inside_a_block_on_a_flexcard_28595.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| {objectApiName} on a Block | Shown as the Label when Collapsible is enabled | [Context variables](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_flexcards_context_variables_42922.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| {User.property} | Rendered only at run time | [Context variables](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_flexcards_context_variables_42922.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |
| New bound field | Default value empty; alphanumeric, no spaces | [Field binding](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_bind_a_flexcard_input_value_to_a_data_field_31417.htm&language=en_US&type=5) |

## Check yourself

- Why might a Field element dropdown omit a field your SOQL query selects?
- When does a Block show {objectApiName} as its label?
- Which format adds a custom label in a Text element?
- Why does a new field bound to an input appear in Data JSON only after typing?

## Sources

- [Flexcards Context Variables](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_flexcards_context_variables_42922.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Add a Display Field to a Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_add_a_field_to_a_flexcard_30250.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Display Text on a Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_add_a_text_element_to_a_flexcard_31067.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Group Elements in a Block on a Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_group_elements_inside_a_block_on_a_flexcard_28595.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Flexcards Display Elements](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.os_flexcards_display_elements_reference_28421.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Add Elements to a Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_add_elements_to_a_flexcard_25561.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Set Up a Data Source on a Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_configure_a_data_source_on_a_flexcard_35864.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Update Data Field Based on Value Entered by User](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_bind_a_flexcard_input_value_to_a_data_field_31417.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Configure Flexcard Settings](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=xcloud.os_set_up_a_flexcard_in_the_flexcard_designer_37646.htm&language=en_US&type=5)
- [Test Data Source Settings on a Flexcard](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.os_test_data_source_settings_on_a_flexcard_37522.htm&language=en_US&type=5)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 3 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Omnistudio Developer pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams