---
title: "How Do I Add Values to My List?"
slug: "form-builder-how-do-i-add-values-to-my-list"
updated: 2026-10-28T14:24:51Z
published: 2026-10-28T14:24:51Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/form-builder-how-do-i-add-values-to-my-list"
---

> ## 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.

# How Do I Add Values to My List?

Every list choice has a name that users see and a value that's saved in the submission. This article covers how to add choices and values to each type of list field in the Form Builder.

## How list names and values work

Each choice in a list has 2 parts:

| Part | What it is |
| --- | --- |
| Name | The text users see on the form |
| Value | The text saved in the submission and shown in reports |

By default, the value is the same as the name. Set a different value when your reports need a code instead of the display text. For example, users select *Wrench* on the form, and the report shows the serial number *W123*.

Where you add values depends on the list field:

| Field | Where its choices come from |
| --- | --- |
| Option List and List | You add them in the field settings |
| Global List | A Global List, shared by many forms |
| Lookup List | A Lookup List, a file you upload |
| DataTable List | A Data Table in the portal |

## Add choices to an Option List or List field

1. Select the field on the canvas.
2. Under List Options, enter a choice in **Add an option...**, then press Enter.
3. Repeat for each choice.

![List Options for the Tool list, with Wrench and Hammer added and Drill being entered](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/listvalues-01-list-options.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A44%3A35Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A44%3A35Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=UQKDqepB5UEPcWkq6qdWfmBNiJQiBlDDG2IKcpegbBA%3D)

## Set a different value

1. Under List Options, select **Advanced Options**.
2. In **Name**, enter the text users see, for example *Drill*.
3. In **Value**, enter the text to save in the submission, for example *D789*.
4. Select **Add**, then select **Close**.

![Advanced List Options with Drill as the Name and D789 as the Value](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/listvalues-02-advanced-name-value.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A44%3A35Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A44%3A35Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=UQKDqepB5UEPcWkq6qdWfmBNiJQiBlDDG2IKcpegbBA%3D)

To change an existing choice, select the edit icon next to it, update the value, then select **Save**.

Select **Save Draft** to save your changes. Users see them after you select **Publish**.

## Add values to a Global List or Lookup List

Global Lists and Lookup Lists come from a file you upload, so you add values by updating the file.

1. Select the field on the canvas.
2. Choose the list in **Select List**, then select **View / Edit List**.

![Field Settings for a Global List field, with the Jobsites list selected and View / Edit List](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/listvalues-03-global-list-view-edit.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A44%3A35Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A44%3A35Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=UQKDqepB5UEPcWkq6qdWfmBNiJQiBlDDG2IKcpegbBA%3D)

1. Review the rows. A Global List has Name, Value, Filter Value, and Score columns.
2. To change the values, select **Download**, edit the file, then select **Update** and upload it.

![ The Jobsites Global List open in the Form Builder, with the Update button](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/image-1793098347700.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A44%3A35Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A44%3A35Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=UQKDqepB5UEPcWkq6qdWfmBNiJQiBlDDG2IKcpegbBA%3D)

> [!WARNING]
> Important
> 
> A Global List is shared. Updating it changes the choices in every form that uses it.

For a Lookup List, you also choose which file columns become the name, value, filter key, and score. Select a column for each in the column mapping, under the rows.

> [!NOTE]
> Tip
> 
> To start a new list, select **<Create New>** in **Select List**. Enter a name, upload a CSV or Excel file, then select **Create**. You can also manage these lists in the portal under **Lists** > **Global Lists** or **Lookup Lists**.

## Add values to a Data Table

Data Tables live in the portal. To add or change rows, go to **Lists** > **Data Tables** in the portal.

![The Data Tables page in the portal, under Lists](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/image-1793098413988.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A44%3A35Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A44%3A35Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=UQKDqepB5UEPcWkq6qdWfmBNiJQiBlDDG2IKcpegbBA%3D)

You can also create a Data Table without leaving the Form Builder.

1. Select the DataTable List field on the canvas.
2. In **Select Data Table**, select **<Create New>**.

![The Select Data Table menu with Create New](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/listvalues-06-data-table-create-new.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A44%3A35Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A44%3A35Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=UQKDqepB5UEPcWkq6qdWfmBNiJQiBlDDG2IKcpegbBA%3D)

1. In the Add Table panel, choose how to create the table. You can start from scratch, upload an Excel or CSV file, or connect a Google Sheet or a Quickbase table.

![The Add Table panel with the 4 ways to create a table](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/listvalues-07-add-table-panel.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T02%3A44%3A35Z&se=2026-10-30T03%3A44%3A35Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=UQKDqepB5UEPcWkq6qdWfmBNiJQiBlDDG2IKcpegbBA%3D)

1. Follow the steps to finish the table.

When you save the table, the Form Builder selects it on the field. The table opens so you can map its columns.

## Add choices with the Assistant

You can also ask the Assistant to add, change, or remove choices in an Option List or List field.

1. Select **Assistant** in the side bar.
2. Describe the change, for example *Add Urgent to the Priority choices, with the value P0* or *Remove Low from Priority*.
3. Send the message.

The Assistant can set names and values. It can't change Global Lists, Lookup Lists, or Data Tables.

> [!WARNING]
> Important
> 
> When the Assistant replaces all the choices in a list, it keeps only names and values. Check filter keys and scores in **Advanced Options** afterward.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> Assistant changes aren't saved until you select **Save Draft**.

## What's next

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