The Value Spec system in Uncountable enables teams to reference and extract information from entities using a flexible syntax. It plays a key role in dynamic form logic, data lookups, and automation across the platform.
Within the Form Admin, there are three related tabs that support this system: Value Spec, Value Spec Properties, and Value Spec Docs. This article outlines the purpose of each and how they work together to support powerful form configurations.
Value Spec Tab
The Value Spec tab is a testing environment for building and previewing value spec phrases before using them in the platform. It allows users to explore what data is accessible from a given entity and verify the output of a value spec expression.
To test a value spec phrase:
- Select an Entity Type (A).
- Choose a specific Entity (B).
- Write a value spec phrase in the Test Value Spec field (C), such as
ref:fields, to access information stored on that entity.
Once entered, the Evaluation Sample window (D) will show the result of the phrase, helping you verify that the output matches what you expect.
For guidance on syntax, expressions, and capabilities, see our in-platform Value Spec documentation (Value Spec Docs tab).
Value Spec Properties Tab
Some information on an entity (for example, Test Samples on an experiment or the Created Date on a Task) isn’t accessible through the standard ref:fields phrase. The Value Spec Properties system makes it possible to reference this data by defining custom, reusable properties.
To create a value spec property:
Open the Value Spec Properties tab and click + Create.
In the modal, configure the following:
- Select an Entity Type.
- Choose a Property Type:
- Listing Column – references a column from an entity listing.
- Value Spec Snippet – creates a reusable snippet of value spec logic.
- Add a Reference Name. This is how you’ll reference the property in value spec expressions.
- If using a listing column, select the specific column you want to expose.
Once saved, this property becomes available for use in value spec expressions across the platform.
Value Spec Docs Tab
The Value Spec Docs tab contains internal documentation for value spec usage. It includes:
- Descriptions of frequently used phrases
- Examples of more advanced expressions
- Notes on logic or data lookups that may require explanation
This tab serves as a reference point for anyone working with value spec, helping teams share knowledge and maintain consistency.
