How to have new fields show with default content on new items? For example:

I created a content type with 2 fields, the default values are:

Field 1 = A
Field 2 = B


When creating BRAND new content items, the fields show up on display with populated default data:

A
B


But when editing content that was created BEFORE creating the fields it doesn't work.

Is it normal that the default fields will only work on NEW content items? 

I want to be able to add fields to items
Is it normal that the default fields will only work on NEW content items?


Yes, that is normal. 

The way I work around that to update the OLD fields: 


Go to the database and export the field table. 


For format: select CSV (do not select "CSV for MS Excel") 

Open the .csv file in Excel and make changes to the values. 


To replicate a cel fast in excel, highlight 1 cel and move mouse to the right bottom corner of the cel (cursor will change to a +), then hold down left click and scroll down. 

Import back to the DB and check-mark "replace table data with file". 
In Drupal, clear/flush the caches to see changes.