Create your first Data Field

Create a running-pace field without writing Monkey C. You can design and preview in the browser; building requires DialStudio desktop and the Garmin build tools.

1. Start the project

1. Open Editor and choose Data field.
2. Select the watch that will run the field.
3. Choose the recommended Running pace starter.

The project remains a draft until the first meaningful edit. Change the label, unit, fallback, formula, layout, or target device to save it and give it a permanent project URL.

2. Configure the output

Use Primary output to review Current pace. Choose Minutes per mile or Minutes per kilometre, keep the label concise, and set the missing-data value. --:-- is clear when the watch does not yet have usable pace data.

Garmin controls final font and placement for native/simple fields. DialStudio controls the value, label, unit, and fallback. If you need custom layout, switch to custom visual mode and check full, large, compact, and minimal previews.

3. Test activity states

Use the simulation strip to check:

• Running and Cycling for steady live values.
• Paused and Missing data for fallback behavior.
• Swimming for a different activity context.
• Lap 2, Timer reset, and Workout target for stateful formulas, zones, and alerts.

These scenarios are deterministic, so the same project always produces the same preview values.

4. Add behavior carefully

Add formulas when the primary value should be computed from several sources. Add zones when users need range context. Add alerts only for states that deserve attention, and choose repeat behavior that avoids noisy feedback.

If you want the value stored in the activity file, add a custom FIT field and choose whether it writes record, lap, or session data. Read Save custom FIT data before relying on synced data in another service.

5. Save and build

After the project reports Saved, choose Build. Confirm the target watch and start the desktop build. Unsupported targets are blocked before compilation.

When the build completes, continue to the installation guide. Transfer the .prg file to the watch, then add the field to a data-screen position in the activity's settings.