The Easy Way to Do Salesforce Field History Tracking

Last Updated: August 31, 2025

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Hannah Recker

Growth Marketer

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Step 1

Open Salesforce and navigate to Setup → Object Manager

Step 2

Choose the specific object you want to track changes for (like Accounts or Opportunities)

Step 3

Click “Fields & Relationships” to view all available fields for that object

Step 4

Scroll to find the field you want to track and click on it

Step 5

Click “Set History Tracking” and select up to 20 fields you want to monitor

Step 6

Save your field tracking settings to enable monitoring

Step 7

View field changes in the record’s Field History section on individual records

Why RevOps teams outgrow Salesforce field history tracking

Setting up field history tracking in Salesforce is a manual, rigid process. It takes time, clicks, and limits what you can track. Here’s how it works:

  • Open Salesforce and go to Setup → Object Manager
  • Choose the object you want to track (like “Accounts”)
  • Click Fields & Relationships, then scroll to the field
  • Click Set History Tracking and select up to 20 fields
  • Save your settings and view changes in the record’s Field History section
salesforce field history tracking

Sounds simple. But in reality?

  • You might need to switch to Salesforce Classic for full setup
  • You hit the 20-field limit fast
  • Your tracked data is stuck inside Salesforce, hard to analyze, and easy to miss

That’s why more RevOps teams look for better ways to track and use field history outside of Salesforce.

The easier way to do field history tracking in Salesforce

Instead of wrestling with Salesforce’s limited native tracking, there’s a better way. Watch this quick demo to see how you can get real-time visibility into opportunity changes and proactively manage your pipeline—no more last-minute surprises or manual record reviews.

The real problem with native field history tracking in Salesforce Salesforce gives you the “what” and “when.” But not the why. Here’s where it breaks down:

Data expires after a set period And when your execs ask, “Why did the forecast change last week?”—you’re stuck pulling screenshots and manually reviewing records.

Field history is hard to view and filter

Trend analysis is nearly impossible

You can’t compare changes over time or track beyond 20 fields

Real-world example: daily Salesforce pipeline change snapshots

Imagine having a simple daily view of pipeline changes where you can filter into any date range fast shift stands out. This type of simple, internal tools makes your CRM data immediately actionable.

salesforce field history tracking in spreadsheets

In the 51-second video below, you’ll see how Coefficient can tracks field history on every opportunity:

  • Each day, a new Salesforce snapshot logs deal changes
  • You can filter by date, field, or rep
  • Stakeholders can click into any change that moved the forecast—no CRM login needed (your execs will love you for it!)

This turns messy, siloed data into clear, useful insights that help teams take action.

Use pre-built Salesforce dashboards that track historical data

Salesforce opportunity stage

Don’t start from scratch. Coefficient offers free, pre-built Salesforce report templates designed to offer an easy snapshotting solution for RevOps teams.

These templates help you:

  • Track field history and pipeline changes over time
  • Monitor sales performance vs. forecast in real-time
  • Build live dashboards with drill-downs by rep, stage, or date

No complex setup. No coding. Just connect your CRM, choose a template, and go.

➡️ Explore templates like our Salesforce Opportunity History Template now.

Why RevOps teams choose Coefficient

  • Get a full audit trail of changes across your pipeline
  • Spot trends fast with historical reports in spreadsheets
  • Stay compliant with clean, complete field history logs

All without logging into Salesforce, copy-pasting, or manually exporting. You’ll enjoy your job a whole lot more.

Still want to track field history in Salesforce? Use these best practices.

If you’re sticking with native field history tracking in Salesforce, here are a few ways to get the most out of it—without running into trouble.

1. Plan ahead

Before you turn on tracking, think through which fields matter most. Don’t track everything—just what helps your team stay aligned.

2. Be selective

Focus on fields that drive decisions—like stage, amount, or close date. Tracking too many fields clutters your records and adds noise.

3. Watch your data storage

Tracking history takes up space. Check how much you’re using and clear old data when needed.
Pro tip: Coefficient can help you offload and store snapshots outside of Salesforce.

4. Write it down

Keep a running list of which fields you track and why. This helps future admins and devs avoid confusion or mistakes.

5. Check regularly

Review your history data from time to time. Make sure it’s still accurate, useful, and relevant to your current strategy.

Turn Salesforce field history into real insights

Field history tracking in Salesforce helps you monitor changes—but the native solution isn’t built for real analysis.

Coefficient gives you:

  • Unlimited history
  • Automated tracking
  • Reports your execs will actually read

Start using Coefficient today →

Because your stakeholders aren’t getting what they need here.

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