Forum Discussion
Lookup column - value not from linked list
HI
Is it possible to add a value in a column that is using lookup.
e.g
I have a lookup column that has 3 values
bannana
apple
grape
and I can easly select one or multiple of these options that are linked to my fruit list.
Can I however enter a unique value that is not from the original fruit list like "pear" without having to add a new item to the fruit list?
Cheers
Sam
You didn´t specify what your working environment is but here´s a suggestion.
There are two possibilities:
SharePoint standard listform:
- Let the user select a value "Other" from the lookup.
- If "Other" is selected the user fills in a value in a textbox. This value is stored in a separate column.
This option does not allow for logic, such as only showing the textbox when the "Other" lookup value is selected. For this you can create a Power App, see attached image. You still need two columns, but the UI will be more user friendly and safe from errors.
- Hi Maggan,
Sorry I am using sharpoint and Microsoft lists.
I'm not sure how I can let people select other? Do I have to put other in the orgininal list that I am referencing for the lookup or is there an option somewhere that I am not aware of to put other.
I am also having an issue when adding information from excell, if the value in this Lookup column doesnt match any of the values from the origninal list i cant add it, is there a way around this?
Cheers
Sam- You could add Other to the original list for simplicity. However, if you choose to create a custom form with Power Apps, the value Other can be just a control in the form with no connection to SharePoint data. When the user selects Other, a textbox for entering av value will be visible. This value will be stored in the SP list.
Regarding your other issue, Excel to SP: Are you using Grid view editing - copy/paste? You could exclude the column from the original source (Excel) and set the lookup value manually/bulk edit after copying it to SP.
