# Test Object Types & Properties

## What is it?

Test object types (Settings → Test Object Types) group test objects with
shared characteristics (e.g., "Sensor", "Control unit") and define freely
configurable fields (properties) for that type. There are also global
properties that apply to all test objects regardless of type — as well as the
built-in part number and serial number fields, which exist as their own
columns on the test object.

## How to use it

- **Creating a type:** Settings → Test Object Types → *Add type*. This opens
  a two-step dialog: first just the type's name, and only after "Next" does
  the second step follow, where any fields (text, number, choice, …) can be
  defined — a progress bar at the top of the dialog shows both steps.
- **Global properties:** Apply in addition to the type fields, for every test
  object — even test objects without a type.
- **Customizing built-in fields:** In the "Global properties" section, part
  number and serial number can be renamed (e.g., "Serial number" → "Batch
  number") and hidden if they aren't needed in your lab. Both fields can be
  hidden — unlike a station's name, there's no identity field here that must
  stay forced visible. The customization applies organization-wide and
  affects the create/edit form, the test object list, and the detail page.

## Common issues

- **"Part number/serial number disappeared from the form."** The field was
  hidden in the test object type settings. Already saved values remain and
  are shown again once you unhide it — hiding doesn't delete data.
- **"The column is missing from the list/CSV export."** The overview and
  detail page display follows the configuration; the CSV export is
  independent of that and always contains all columns.

- **"A type with this name already exists."** Test object type names are
  unique within the organization, regardless of capitalization. Either use the
  existing type or pick a distinguishing name.

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Source: https://www.testlabiq.com/en/help/test-object-types