Customizing the type-ahead search picker for parent records

For all new apps, you can customize the type-ahead search picker for your form to make it easier and faster for your users to select the correct parent record. You can also use the type-ahead search picker for existing apps by opening a support case to request early access.

Your record picker can be based on one of three things:

• The default record picker – an advanced setting on the parent table

• A report in the parent table that you select in form properties. This report will determine how records display in the picker and provides more information to identify these records.

• A lookup field in the child table that you select in form properties. This field can be used in place of the key field to identify records on the parent table.

In addition, you can set the reference field properties on the child table to further customize the record picker. Reference field properties include:

• The proxy field, which allows you to always refer to the parent record using a lookup field, instead of the key field.

• Conditional values, which allow you to filter the parent records available based on the relationship between the record and a third table.

Customizing the default record picker

To customize the default record picker, go to Table Settings > Advanced Settings.

In the Record Picker section, select up to three fields to help your users identify the correct record.

Previewing your record picker

You can preview how your record picker columns will look by selecting the picker from the drop-down.

Choosing a specific report

You can choose a specific report on which to base the record picker, which allows you filter and sort the fields. To choose a specific report, select Customize this Form or right-click and select Edit the properties of this form element.

Select a report name in the When used for data entry drop-down.

To customize this report for your record picker, select report and edit the report properties.

Note: Customizing the report will change this report everywhere it’s used. Instead, you may want to create a custom report for use in your record picker.

Choosing a specific field

To choose a specific field to base your type-ahead search picker on, select Customize this Form or right-click and select Edit the properties of this form element.

Select a field name in the When used for data entry drop-down.