> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.tahua.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.tahua.io/product-news/2026/readme/delete-fields-from-locked-templates.md).

# Allow deleting fields from locked form builder templates

## Problem

Once a form builder template is locked (i.e. it has been published and is in use), administrators cannot delete individual fields from it. This is overly restrictive — there are legitimate cases where a field needs to be removed from a live template, such as removing a question that is no longer relevant. The only workaround is to create an entirely new template, which is disruptive.

## Solution

Administrators can now delete individual fields from locked templates. To guard against accidental data loss, a confirmation dialog requires the user to type "DELETE" before the action proceeds. The dialog also shows how many forms the field has been filled in on, so administrators can make an informed decision.

Sections and field groups on locked templates can also be deleted with the same confirmation flow.

Deliverables templates where the milestone has already been approved remain protected and do not allow field deletion.

## How it works

When an administrator clicks the delete (trash) icon on a field within a locked template, the system checks how many submitted forms contain data for that field. A modal dialog appears showing:

* A warning that data will be lost (if the field has been filled in on any forms)
* The number of forms affected
* A text input requiring the user to type "DELETE" in all caps to confirm

If the field has never been filled in and has no usage, it is deleted immediately without the confirmation dialog.

The same typed-confirmation dialog is used for deleting pages and sections that contain filled-in data, regardless of whether the template is locked.

## UI

* The delete (trash) icon now appears on fields within locked templates (previously it was hidden).
* The section delete icon is also visible on locked templates.
* Browser `confirm()` dialogs have been replaced with an in-page modal dialog across all form builder delete actions (fields, sections, pages).
* The modal shows a contextual warning message, a prompt to type "DELETE", and Cancel/Delete buttons. The Delete button is disabled until the user types the correct confirmation text.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://help.tahua.io/product-news/2026/readme/delete-fields-from-locked-templates.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.