---
title: "Hidden fields and default values"
date: 2026-09-26
description: "Prefill fields for new articles or hide a field from the author with a fixed value that Frontend Editor sets on the server."
author: "Jeroen Moolenschot"
---

# Hidden fields and default values

In **Field settings** you can give a field a **Value**. What happens with that value depends on whether the field is shown or hidden.

 
## Default values for shown fields

 A shown field with a value is prefilled for new articles. The author can change it. Existing articles keep their own value.

 Values for **Category**, **Status**, **Access**, **Language** and **Featured** are chosen from a list and work in both editions. The lists follow the permissions and languages of your site.

 Values for text fields, image fields, links and custom fields are PRO PRO.

 
## Hide a field with a fixed value PRO

 
1. Place the field in the form and click it.
2. Choose a **Value**, for example the category *Vacancies*.
3. Tick **Hide from the author**.

 ![The Category field hidden from the author with the value News](https://www.joomill-extensions.com/images/documentation/frontend-editor/hidden-field.jpg)

 The author no longer sees the field. The value is set on the server for new articles and for copies made with Save as Copy, so it cannot be changed from the browser. Existing articles keep their own value.

 ![The vacancy form on the site: no category or status field, custom fields at half width](https://www.joomill-extensions.com/images/documentation/frontend-editor/frontend-vacancy.jpg)

 A hidden field is never required. A hidden **Category** needs a value, because every new article needs a category.

 
## Fields without a value

 The Title, Alias, the date fields, Tags, the workflow transition and the "no description" switches of the images cannot get a value.

 
## What the author cannot change

 Fields that are not in the profile, or that are hidden, are removed from the save request on the server. This protects the form against changed requests. It does not replace Joomla's permissions; see [Troubleshooting & FAQ](https://www.joomill-extensions.com/documentation/frontend-editor/troubleshooting-faq).