---
title: "Use lookup mappings to auto-populate fields with data"
slug: "lookup-mappings-auto-populating-fields-with-data"
updated: 2026-09-28T06:23:16Z
published: 2026-09-28T06:23:16Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/lookup-mappings-auto-populating-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

## Overview

**Lookup mapping** is a way to auto-populate form fields based on user input. It involves adding a [Lookup List](/fastfield/docs/lookup-lists) to your form, which will then map (auto-populate) data to other fields based on the item that is selected from the list. For example, you could add a Lookup List with customer names for users to choose from. When a customer is selected from the drop-down list, other form fields could automatically populate with that customer's phone number, address, and other details.

Here are some common use cases for lookup mapping:

- **Parts list**: Selecting a part number auto-fills fields like *Description*, *Repair Method*, and *Options*.
- **Condition-based actions**: Selecting a condition auto-fills required remediation actions.
- **Location-specific details**: Selecting a location auto-fills fields like *Address* and *City.*
- **Contact information**: Selecting a name auto-fills an associated phone number.
- **Vehicle list**: Selecting a license number auto-fills fields like *VIN*, *Make*, and *Model Details*.

## How to set up lookup mapping

1. Add the [**Lookup List**](/fastfield/docs/lookup-lists) field to your form. Connect it with your uploaded multi-column spreadsheet. This will serve as the data source for your form. ![Lookup List field added to a form](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/18244872018573?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T06%3A27%3A25Z&se=2026-10-31T07%3A27%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=nr5TEcqPqcsDVXR3etNRLjU0mC1OTzbVmhQv9CEU3Dc%3D)
2. Add the **destination fields.** These are the fields that will auto-populate with data from the Lookup List. They'll be used as placeholders for additional data that will be populated from other columns in your spreadsheet. Allowable field types are: Text, Long Text, Static Text, Numeric, List, Global List, and Lookup List.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> Static Text fields are un-editable in the form, while other text fields can be edited by the user if needed after auto-population.

![Destination fields configured for auto-population](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/18244851465613?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T06%3A27%3A25Z&se=2026-10-31T07%3A27%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=nr5TEcqPqcsDVXR3etNRLjU0mC1OTzbVmhQv9CEU3Dc%3D)
3. Go to **Advanced Options** > **Lookup Mappings.** ![Advanced Options menu showing Lookup Mappings](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/18244872020621?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T06%3A27%3A25Z&se=2026-10-31T07%3A27%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=nr5TEcqPqcsDVXR3etNRLjU0mC1OTzbVmhQv9CEU3Dc%3D)
4. Select the **+** icon to create and configure a new mapping:
  - **Lookup Data:** Choose your Lookup List (uploaded .csv or .xlsx file) that will be used for this mapping.
  - **Search:** Choose the field that will act as the drop-down list on the form for users to choose from. This list will come from a column of data from your Lookup List file/table. Allowable lookup field types are Option List, Lookup List, Global List, and Barcode. ![Search field configuration for a lookup mapping](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/18244851467789?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T06%3A27%3A25Z&se=2026-10-31T07%3A27%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=nr5TEcqPqcsDVXR3etNRLjU0mC1OTzbVmhQv9CEU3Dc%3D)
  - **Field Name** refers to the field on your FastField form. ![Field Name setting for a lookup mapping](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/18244851468429?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T06%3A27%3A25Z&se=2026-10-31T07%3A27%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=nr5TEcqPqcsDVXR3etNRLjU0mC1OTzbVmhQv9CEU3Dc%3D)
  - **Column Name** refers to the column of data in your Lookup List file/table that you've uploaded.
  - **Display:** Map data from your Lookup List file/table to the destination fields for auto-population. Associate specific columns from the table with the destination fields in the form. ![Display mapping configuration for a lookup mapping](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/18244872022285?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-31T06%3A27%3A25Z&se=2026-10-31T07%3A27%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=nr5TEcqPqcsDVXR3etNRLjU0mC1OTzbVmhQv9CEU3Dc%3D)