The Option List field shows a set of choices right on the form, so users tap an answer instead of typing it. This article covers how to add an Option List field, set up its choices, and configure its settings.
How the Option List field works
An Option List field displays every choice at once, in columns. Users select one choice, or several if you allow multiple selections.
For example, a work order can ask for a priority of Low, Medium, High, or Critical. Every technician picks from the same choices, so your submissions stay consistent across the team.
Option List works best for short lists. For a long list of choices, use a List field instead, which shows the choices in a dropdown.
Note
You choose between Option List and 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 an Option List field
In the Form Builder, select Add Field in the side bar.
Under Lists, select Option 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 Option List Field, and its field settings open on the General tab.
Add choices
In Field Label, enter the question users see, for example Priority.
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.
Set values, scores, and a default
Choices you add under List Options save the same text they show. To save a different value, add a score, or preselect a choice, use the advanced options.
Under List Options, select Advanced Options.
Select the edit icon next to a choice, or enter a new one.
Fill in the settings you need, then select Save or Add.
Select Close.
Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
Name | The text users see on the form. Required |
Value | The value saved in the submission, if it should differ from the name |
Filter Key | A key that lets another field filter this list. Learn more about filtering a list by another list |
Score | A number you can use in calculations, for example to score an inspection |
Default | Preselects this choice when a user opens the form. Only one choice can be the default |
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 | Columns (Phone) | How many columns of choices to show on a phone. The default is 2 |
General | Columns (Tablet) | How many columns of choices to show on a tablet. The default is 3 |
General | Required Field | Users must select a choice before they can submit the form |
Behavior | Hide Field | Hides the field in the app |
Behavior | Hide Field Label | Shows the choices 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 the field based on other answers |
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 an Option List field or change its choices and settings.
Select Assistant in the side bar.
Describe what you want, for example Add a Priority option list with Low, Medium, High, and Critical or Let users select more than one answer in Equipment checked.
Send the message.
The Assistant can add and remove choices, set values, choose a default, allow multiple selections, show the choices as a dropdown, and make the field required. 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, or a quick action such as Allow multiple selections.
Note
Assistant changes aren't saved until you select Save Draft.