Jun 20, 202012:53 AM - edited Jun 20, 202012:56 AM
Key Advisor
How to change a selfmade Static List into dynamic
SOLVE
Hello,
There is no way to natively change a static list into an active (dynamic) list. However, there are some workarounds depending on your needs!
If there is something similar between them to use for the filter criteria: Create an active list with the criteria. Example: "Company is any of XYZ."
If there is something similar to use for filter criteria and there are extra records you want to include into the active list: Create an active list and add the filter criteria List Membership is any of "XYZ Static List" and then add the list criteria such as "Company is any of XYZ."
Keep the list as static and then manually add records to the static list or do so via workflow.
Each email you send out will appear on the contact's timeline, no matter the list. However, I think it is always a good practice to use static lists for regular emails. If the emails are not automated, the list will serve as historical data for who was actually sent the email. Active lists will pull records who meet the criteria for a long time after. If you had an active list for each regular email sent, new records can meet the criteria for hundreds of lists and automatically be put into the active (dynamic) lists and posts each list membership on the contact's timeline. (Messy) Also, keep in mind that each list is separate and uses a unique identifier on the backend, so simply deleting a list and creating one with the same name will not have the same effect.
If the static list is deleted, the analytics on the email page will still show you whom the email was sent to, who open and clicked, etc. HubSpot put in another failsafe - you can always pull a new list with analytics based on who was sent the email (see below).
Another tip I have learned is that cloning emails, lists, and workflows to tweak them are going to be your best friend to keep historical data and limit confusion. If you sent a regular email blast to a static list and now want to send to an active list, simply clone the email and add (Active List) to the end of the internal email name. This way you keep all analytics intact and achieve the same intended outcome.
Sorry for the lengthiness. If you have any more questions or would like advice on a specific example, please feel free to reach out!
Best, Stefani Johnson Defect and Database Administrator University of Advancing Technology uat.edu I Earn Tech Respect
Good news, it's now possible to convert static lists into active lists. You should find a public beta under Settings > Product updates:
Convert Static Lists to Active Lists
Public Beta
Last updated: April 17, 2025
What is it?
You can now convert static lists to active lists while keeping the list ID and references intact!
Why does it matter?
Previously, after creating a static list, if you discovered that you had applied the wrong filter or wanted to update your list with a new filter, you either had to clone the list or start over. These workarounds are not only time-consuming, but also mean the list ID updates, and you lose all of the references where the list was being used.
How does it work?
Now, you can seamlessly change static lists to active lists while retaining the list ID and list references!
1. Navigate to CRM --> Lists, and click into the static list you wish to convert to an active list.
2. Select the 'Actions' menu in the top right of the page, and select "Convert to active"
3. Note that any manually added records may be removed or manually removed records may be added to the list once it's converted to active
4. Click "Convert"
Now the list will update in real time as records meet the filter criteria!
Jun 20, 202012:53 AM - edited Jun 20, 202012:56 AM
Key Advisor
How to change a selfmade Static List into dynamic
SOLVE
Hello,
There is no way to natively change a static list into an active (dynamic) list. However, there are some workarounds depending on your needs!
If there is something similar between them to use for the filter criteria: Create an active list with the criteria. Example: "Company is any of XYZ."
If there is something similar to use for filter criteria and there are extra records you want to include into the active list: Create an active list and add the filter criteria List Membership is any of "XYZ Static List" and then add the list criteria such as "Company is any of XYZ."
Keep the list as static and then manually add records to the static list or do so via workflow.
Each email you send out will appear on the contact's timeline, no matter the list. However, I think it is always a good practice to use static lists for regular emails. If the emails are not automated, the list will serve as historical data for who was actually sent the email. Active lists will pull records who meet the criteria for a long time after. If you had an active list for each regular email sent, new records can meet the criteria for hundreds of lists and automatically be put into the active (dynamic) lists and posts each list membership on the contact's timeline. (Messy) Also, keep in mind that each list is separate and uses a unique identifier on the backend, so simply deleting a list and creating one with the same name will not have the same effect.
If the static list is deleted, the analytics on the email page will still show you whom the email was sent to, who open and clicked, etc. HubSpot put in another failsafe - you can always pull a new list with analytics based on who was sent the email (see below).
Another tip I have learned is that cloning emails, lists, and workflows to tweak them are going to be your best friend to keep historical data and limit confusion. If you sent a regular email blast to a static list and now want to send to an active list, simply clone the email and add (Active List) to the end of the internal email name. This way you keep all analytics intact and achieve the same intended outcome.
Sorry for the lengthiness. If you have any more questions or would like advice on a specific example, please feel free to reach out!
Best, Stefani Johnson Defect and Database Administrator University of Advancing Technology uat.edu I Earn Tech Respect
