When you try to delete a database column (field) in Acoustic Campaign, the system may block the deletion because the field is still associated with one or more dependent assets — such as templates, queries, programs, or sent mailings. Unlike a standard recycle bin, deleted items in Acoustic Campaign are still considered active dependencies until they are permanently purged.

What's blocking the deletion

Templates in the Deleted tab: When you delete a template, it moves to the Deleted tab within View Emails. While it sits there, the database still considers it a dependency on any fields it references.

Sent mailings: If the field was used in a sent mailing, the system maintains a link for reporting purposes for up to 180 days. This can prevent deletion even after the template has been removed.

Active automations: If a mailing was part of an Active Program or a Triggered Message, the program must be deactivated and the message stopped before the field association is released — even if the mailing itself has been deleted.

Queries: Queries that reference the field also create a dependency. Deleted queries must be permanently purged from the Deleted tab in the Queries menu, not just moved to trash.

Landing pages or External Content blocks: If the Usage report shows no results but the column is still locked, check for Landing Pages or External Content blocks that may be referencing the field.

How to fix it

Step 1: Identify all dependencies

1. Go to Data > Databases and select your database.
2. Click the Fields tab.
3. Find the field you want to delete and click the Usage link next to its name.
4. Review the report — it will list every template, query, and program using that field, including those in the Deleted folder.

Step 2: Permanently delete templates from the Deleted tab

1. Go to Content > View Emails.
2. Click the Deleted tab.
3. Select the relevant mailings and click Delete Permanently.

Step 3: Permanently purge deleted queries

Navigate to the Queries menu, open the Deleted tab, and permanently purge any queries that reference the field. Moving a query to trash is not sufficient — it must be permanently deleted to release the dependency.

Step 4: Deactivate programs and stop triggered messages

If the field was used in an Active Program or Triggered Message, deactivate the program and stop the message before attempting to delete the field. The association will not be released while the automation is still active.

Step 5: Wait for the system to refresh

After permanently purging all dependent assets, wait a few minutes for the Usage cache to clear. Refresh your browser before attempting to delete the column again.

Still blocked after following these steps?

If the Usage report shows No results found but the column is still locked, it is likely being held by a Landing Page or an External Content block. Check those areas separately and remove any references to the field before retrying the deletion.