List() for gathering related values in FileMaker

Intermediate

List() returns a return-delimited list of all non-empty values from a field across related records. Learn how to use it for aggregating text, building display values, and feeding other list functions.

What you'll learn

How List() collects related field values into a return-delimited string
How to combine List() with other text functions to build formatted output
Common use cases: display summaries, feeds for ValueCount and GetValue, feeding Substitute

List ( field ) gathers all non-empty values from a field across all related records into a single return-delimited text string — the text equivalent of Sum() for aggregating related data.

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Collect related values with List()

Place List() in a calculation field in the parent table, referencing a field from the related table. It returns all non-empty values separated by Return characters.

FileMaker Script

// In the Projects table — collect all tag names for this project
List ( Tags::name )
// Returns: "Design¶Development¶Testing"

// In an Order — collect all product names on the order
List ( LineItems::productName )
// Returns: "Widget A¶Widget B¶Gadget C"

Stored vs unstored calculations in FileMaker: performance impact Common Get() functions in FileMaker calculations