Is there an Array string in Payload CMS?

[IRediTOTO]

Hi, I tried to read the documentation, but I couldn't find it. Is there something to save array string to database?
I just want save array of strings
Ex: ["a","b","c"]
I don't want save array of objects like this, just need array of strings here

[jessrynkar]

Hi @IRediTOTO, this isn't currently supported but would definitely be useful in many cases. This question was also discussed on discord here. A potential workaround solution would be to:

1. Create a hidden preferences field
2. On save, map the original array and return as an array of strings
3. Pass this new array to your hidden field

There might be more appropriate workarounds too if you want to share more information on what you're looking to achieve, let us know if you need further help here!

[IRediTOTO]

Thank you for replied me and let me know. Ok fine, but I will wait for a that feature like that. This pretty basic, I think any Payload newbie will ask himself: where is the array??? :D

[gaboluque]

Payload newbie here, I think this could be really useful.

[jacobsfletch]

The json field might work for you: https://payloadcms.com/docs/fields/json#json-field

[jacobsfletch]

Thejson field might work for you: https://payloadcms.com/docs/fields/json#json-field

[akshayxemo]

Hey @IRediTOTO I am also a payload newbie and I have came across the same issue and after so many tries and seeing this discussion I have found this way to be able to store the data. I know its already been answered but I still want to share this one hope this will be helpful or correct me if I am following the wrong approach.

1. if you want to store multiple same string in an array the following one will work for you.
2. If you want all the strings are in the array will be unique then simply use type:"text" with hasMany: true, it will work.

import { CollectionConfig } from "payload/types";

const Users: CollectionConfigs = {
  slug: "users",
  fields: [
     {
      name: "restrictions",
      label: "Restrictions",
      type: "array",
      fields: [
        {
          name: "preferences",
          type: "text",
          required: true,
        },
      ],
      hooks: {
        afterRead: [
          ({ value, originalDoc }) => {
            value = originalDoc?.preferences?.map((value: string) => {
              return { preferences: value };
            });
            return value;
          },
        ],
      },
    },
    {
      name: "preferences",
      type: "text",
      hasMany: true,
      admin: {
        readOnly: true,
      },
      hooks: {
        beforeChange: [
          ({ value, siblingData}) => {
            const preferences =
              siblingData.restrictions.map((el: any) => el.preferences) || [];
            delete siblingData["restrictions"];
            value = preferences;
            return value;
          },
        ],
      },
    },
  ]
}

[willemmulder]

In 2025, there is now the 'hasMany' option for a.o. the text, select and number field, which should do exactly what you want 😃 See e.g. https://payloadcms.com/docs/fields/text @IRediTOTO

[ziyafenn]

This is great, but why on earth does it create a separate table to store array items instead of creating []text array type column

[willemmulder]

I don't know - in Mongo it doesn't AFAIK. Do you use Postgres?

[ziyafenn]

yeah i use postgres, i ended up extending table with my own postgres column outside of the payload