Setting key fields for tables

About key fields

Quickbase requires each table to include one field that contains a unique value for each record. This is called the key field. Key fields ensure that records that are identical in every other way always have a unique identifier.

By default, the key field on a table is the Record ID#. As you add records, Record ID# automatically includes a new unique number.

You might choose to set a key field that is not Record ID# because you want the key field to contain data more meaningful to your work. For example, a part number, account number, or employee ID number.

Requirements for key fields

A key field:

Must be unique
Cannot contain a formula

If you are setting an existing field to be a key field, all values in the field must already be unique.

Only certain field types can be set as key fields:

Can act as key fields	Cannot act as key fields
Text Text - multiple choice Numeric Currency Percent Rating User Date Date/time Time of day Email Work date	Text - multi-line Lookup Summary Built-in (Date created, date modified, last created, modified by) Address iCalendar vCard Report link Multi-select text List - user Phone number Any formula field

Changing the key field:

Open the table with the key field you want to change.
Select Settings.
Select Fields.
Select the checkbox for a field, then select the Set Key button at the top of the list of fields. A Change the Key Field dialog box opens.
If your table is a parent table in one or more relationships, the dialog that displays contains a warning. When you change the key field in a parent table, Quickbase makes changes to other tables in the app in response to the key field change.
In the dialog box, select the Set Key button to finish.

When you create your own key field, Quickbase automatically displays it as a required field on the table's forms.