Relationship-based value lists and the second-field display

Intermediate

Build value lists that draw values from a related table so the list stays current automatically, and use the second-field option to show a human-readable label while storing an ID.

What you'll learn

How to create a value list that reads from a related field
How to use the "also display values from second field" option to show a label while storing an ID
How to restrict a value list to only related records using a relationship

A relationship-based value list reads its options directly from a related table, so adding a new product or customer automatically makes it available in any drop-down that uses the list.

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Create a value list from a related field

Open File > Manage > Value Lists > New. Select "Use values from field" and choose the field you want to list. For a Products drop-down, select Products::ProductID.

FileMaker Script

Value List: "Products_ID"
Use values from field: Products::ProductID (via TO "Products")
Include all values — shows every product record

Table occurrences: what they are and how to name them Cross-file relationships with External Data Sources