---
title: "Difference between using Custom Content as a Widget or as a Field"
date: 2026-04-23
author: "GravityKit"
link: "https://www.gravitykit.com/docs/gravityview/faq/difference-between-using-custom-content-as-a-widget-or-as-a-field/"
---

Sometimes on our support, we recommend the use of the special Custom Content field, however, there's a small difference between its placement inside your View:

- If it's placed inside the Widget zone of your View, then we'll call it Custom Content **Widget**;
- If it should be placed inside the "Entries Fields" section, then we'll call it Custom Content **Field**.

![Custom Content is shown as a widget above entries and as a field in the entries section](https://www.gravitykit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/file-153mQnswdp.png)
They are both Custom Content, but when adding a Custom Content *field*, you get access to the field Merge Tags dropdown:![Custom content options with HTML, shortcodes, and merge tags for embedding data. Includes auto-paragraphs and oEmbeds…](https://www.gravitykit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/file-KdTca1gWbV.png)
*Field Merge Tags won't work inside the Custom Content when using it as a Widget because of the context. Fields are part of the entries zone on the View. Widgets are outside of that zone*