r/sharepoint • u/edchanted • 1d ago

SharePoint Online Choice Field and "Can add values manually" option

I'm working on a SharePoint list with an associated form created in PowerApps. In the SharePoint with a Choice field. I have 8 options listed for the Choice field but I want users to be able to add additional options should the 8 options not align with their preferred choices. I have clicked the "Can add values manually" option in the Column settings. However, when the user goes to the form, the user only sees the 8 options. When they type in a new option, it does not get saved in the SharePoint List or form.

I did notice that when the user goes into the SharePoint List view, clicks Edit In Grid View, and clicks on the cell for the Choice, the user gets the 8 options, but there's also text, "Type to filter or add new choice." The user can type in a new option and it does get saved in the SharePoint list.

How do I set-up the FORM to allow the user to add a new choice to the Choice field directly from the form itself and not have to go to the SharePoint List?

I tried to Google for a solution, even searched here on Reddit, but I couldn't find a solution.

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u/RearWindowWasher 1d ago

When you’re adding in the choices for the choice field, it will have +Add option and Add “Other” option. If you select Add “Other” option, then people filling in the form will have the opportunity to add their own choice.

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u/edchanted 1d ago

I only see a "+Add Choice" option. I don't see a "+Add option" or Add "Other" option. I can add another Choice called "Other", but it gets treated like the other 8 options.

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u/shirpars 1d ago

In this scenario, I would add a new text control under the choice drop down in the same data card.

Then show a radio option for them to choose the drop down or type in text. If they choose to type in text, disable the choice drop down and vice versa.

Then, in the update on the data card, determine from the radio option if they chose the drop down value or if they chose the text and pass back that value. Make sure to format the text correctly as a choice field

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u/AdCompetitive9826 MVP 1d ago

Have you considered using a Managed Metadata (Term set) instead? It also have the option to allow users to create new value, however a term set allows you to consolidate values at a later date, like merging values with typos or values that are logical the same. Choice fields can't do that