The List field lets users pick an answer from a dropdown instead of typing it. This article covers how to add a List field, set up its choices, and configure its settings.
How the List field works
A List field shows a dropdown. Users open it and select one choice, or several if you allow multiple selections.
For example, a maintenance form can ask for the equipment type. Every technician picks from the same list, so your submissions stay consistent.
A List field works well for longer lists because the choices stay hidden until users open the dropdown. For a short list that shows every choice on the form, use an Option List field instead.
Note
You choose between List and Option List when you add the field. Field Settings doesn't let you switch later, but the Assistant can. Learn more in Set up the field with the Assistant.
Add a List field
In the Form Builder, select Add Fields in the side bar.
Under Lists, select List to add it after the selected field. You can also drag it onto the canvas where you want it.
The field appears on the canvas as List Field, and its field settings open on the General tab.
Add choices
In Field Label, enter the question users see, for example Equipment Type.
Under List Options, enter a choice in Add an option..., then press Enter.
Repeat for each choice.
To change the order, drag a choice by its handle. To remove a choice, select the remove icon next to it.
To save a different value than the text users see, add a score, or preselect a choice, select Advanced Options. Learn more about values, scores, and defaults.
Filter the list by another field
A List field can show only the choices that match the answer in another field. For example, a Model list can show only the models for the brand the user selects.
In Advanced Options, give each choice a Filter Key that matches a value in the other field.
In Field Filter Key, enter the field key of the other field.
Learn more about filtering a list by another list.
Configure the field
Use the General, Behavior, and Appearance tabs in Field Settings to control how the field works.
Tab | Setting | What it does |
|---|---|---|
General | Field Label | The question users see on the form |
General | Field Key | The key that identifies the field in submissions, rules, and calculations |
General | Allow Multiple Selection | Lets users select more than one choice |
General | List Options | The choices users select from |
General | Field Filter Key | The field key of another field that filters this list |
General | Required Field | Users must select a choice before they can submit the form |
General | Hint Text | Text that shows in the dropdown until the user selects a choice |
Behavior | Hide Field | Hides the field in the app |
Behavior | Hide Field Label | Shows the dropdown without the field label |
Behavior | Exclude From Reports | Leaves the field's value out of reports. The value stays in the submission data |
Behavior | Enabled | When off, the field is grayed out and users can't change it |
Behavior | Memory Field (Persist Value) | Remembers the last submitted value and fills it in the next time the user opens the form |
Behavior | Capture GPS Location | Records the GPS coordinates from when the field was last changed |
Behavior | Capture Timestamp | Records the date and time the field was last changed |
Behavior | Field Rules | Shows, hides, or changes other fields based on the answer |
Appearance | Background Color | Gives the field a color. Learn more about alert types |
Select Save Draft to save your changes. Users see them after you select Publish.
Set up the field with the Assistant
You can also ask the Assistant to add a List field or change its choices and settings.
Select Assistant in the side bar.
Describe what you want, for example Add a dropdown List field called Equipment Type after Description with the choices Generator, Compressor, Pump, Boiler, Chiller, and HVAC Unit.
Send the message.
The Assistant can add and remove choices, set values, choose a default, allow multiple selections, and make the field required. It can also switch the field to an Option List that shows every choice on the form. It can't set scores, so add those under Advanced Options.
To work on one field, select the Assistant icon on the field. Then choose an action such as Manage Options.
Note
Assistant changes aren't saved until you select Save Draft.