Identify relation fields
Payload relationship fields reference documents in another collection; upload fields reference media documents.
PAYLOAD CMS / GUIDE
Relationships & Field Mapping
Plan data that references records in other Payload collections.
CHAPTER 01 · OVERVIEW
Identify relation fields
Plan data that references records in other Payload collections.
Payload relationship fields reference documents in another collection; upload fields reference media documents.
CHAPTER 02 · WORKFLOW
One controlled path from source to sync.
Every step stays visible before anything changes in your CMS.
Prepare matching values
Use source values that unambiguously identify existing related documents. Matching by name, slug or ID depends on your configured workflow.
Check multiple relationships
For fields with multiple values, review the intended references and confirm that no entries remain unresolved.
Validate before applying
Do not assume a display name automatically becomes a valid relationship ID. Review resolved references before synchronization.
CHAPTER 03 · CONTROL
See what will happen before anything changes.
Automation can help with the work. Approval stays with you.
Identify relation fields
Payload relationship fields reference documents in another collection; upload fields reference media documents.
Prepare matching values
Use source values that unambiguously identify existing related documents. Matching by name, slug or ID depends on your configured workflow.
Check multiple relationships
For fields with multiple values, review the intended references and confirm that no entries remain unresolved.
Validate before applying
Do not assume a display name automatically becomes a valid relationship ID. Review resolved references before synchronization.
CHAPTER 04 · QUESTIONS
What teams usually need to know.
Identify relation fields
Payload relationship fields reference documents in another collection; upload fields reference media documents.
Prepare matching values
Use source values that unambiguously identify existing related documents. Matching by name, slug or ID depends on your configured workflow.
Check multiple relationships
For fields with multiple values, review the intended references and confirm that no entries remain unresolved.
Validate before applying
Do not assume a display name automatically becomes a valid relationship ID. Review resolved references before synchronization.
SMART SYNC CMSReview first.
Review first.
Sync when you are ready.
Smart Sync keeps mapping, validation and review visible before changes reach your CMS.