---
title: "Use Lookup Mappings to Auto-Populate Fields with Data"
slug: "form-builder-use-lookup-mappings-to-auto-populate-fields-with-data"
updated: 2026-10-28T14:24:52Z
published: 2026-10-28T14:24:52Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/form-builder-use-lookup-mappings-to-auto-populate-fields-with-data"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.quickbase.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use Lookup Mappings to Auto-Populate Fields with Data

Lookup mappings fill in form fields for users based on an item they select or scan. This article covers how to set up a lookup mapping in the Form Builder.

## How lookup mappings work

A lookup mapping connects your form to a data source with several columns. The source is a Lookup List or a Data Table. It has 2 parts:

| Part | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| Search mapping | Matches the user's answer in a form field to a column in the data source |
| Display mapping | Copies a column from the matching row into another form field |

For example, users select an equipment ID from a list. The mapping finds that row in the Equipment Data Table and fills in the customer name and model.

Common uses include:

- **Parts:** Select a part number to fill in the description and repair method
- **Locations:** Select a site to fill in its address and city
- **Contacts:** Select a name to fill in a phone number
- **Vehicles:** Scan a license plate barcode to fill in the VIN, make, and model

## Before you start

Add these fields to your form:

- **The search field:** The field users answer. It can be a list field, Bar Code, NFC Reader, Static Text, or Web Link field
- **The destination fields:** The fields to fill in, for example Text, Long Text, Numeric, Static Text, or list fields

> [!NOTE]
> Tip
> 
> Use a Static Text field as the destination if users shouldn't change the value. Users can edit Text fields after they're filled in.

## Create a lookup mapping

1. In the Form Builder, select **Settings** in the bottom toolbar.
2. Select **Lookup Mappings**.

![The Settings menu in the bottom toolbar with Lookup Mappings](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/lookupmap-01-settings-lookup-mappings.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T01%3A35%3A07Z&se=2026-10-30T02%3A35%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=K560%2BSUCBli0wdQ4XzdmlChqKWqn33MpomQMi8c9OJI%3D)

1. Select **Add Mapping**.

![The Lookup Mappings panel with the Add Mapping button](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/lookupmap-02-add-mapping.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T01%3A35%3A07Z&se=2026-10-30T02%3A35%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=K560%2BSUCBli0wdQ4XzdmlChqKWqn33MpomQMi8c9OJI%3D)

1. In **Mapping Name**, enter a name, for example *Equipment details*.
2. In **Lookup Type**, select **Lookup Data File** for a Lookup List, or **Data Table**.

![The Lookup Type menu with Lookup Data File, Data Table, and Remote Lookup](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/lookupmap-03-lookup-type.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T01%3A35%3A07Z&se=2026-10-30T02%3A35%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=K560%2BSUCBli0wdQ4XzdmlChqKWqn33MpomQMi8c9OJI%3D)

1. Select the Lookup List or Data Table.

## Map the search and display fields

1. Under Search Mappings, select the search field in **Field**. In **Column**, select the column that holds the same data.
2. Under Display Mappings, select a destination field in **Field**. In **Column**, select the column to copy into it.
3. To fill in more fields, select **+ Add Display Mapping** and repeat.
4. Select **Save**.

![A mapping that searches the Equipment ID column and fills in the Customer and Model fields](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/lookupmap-04-search-display-mappings.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T01%3A35%3A07Z&se=2026-10-30T02%3A35%3A07Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=K560%2BSUCBli0wdQ4XzdmlChqKWqn33MpomQMi8c9OJI%3D)

The mapping appears in the Lookup Mappings panel. Select **Edit** or **Delete** to change it later.

1. Select **Save Draft**, then select **Publish** when you're ready for users to see the change.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> The Assistant can't create lookup mappings. Set them up in Settings.

## What's next

- [Remote lookup (beta)](/fastfield/docs/en/form-builder-remote-lookup-beta)
- [Lookup list selector](/fastfield/docs/en/form-builder-lookup-list-selector)
- [Filter a list by another list](/fastfield/docs/en/form-builder-filter-a-list-by-another-list)