I have an application where I’ve added another table as a Ref column, shown all the time as a dropdown.
However, in the dropdown, it only shows one value, despite having multiple in the Google Sheet (see below screenshots). I also don’t want to allow “New” values.
If you set the Scale table to read only, I think you’ll avoid the “new” option in the dropdown.
As for the values not showing in dropdown, please try to change them in the scale table with shorter strings for a test. Also, in scale table, try changing the column from Text to LongText
Thank you. I made the changes you suggested, and saved. When I refreshed the form, I realized the issue. Instead of an empty dropdown, the dropdown populates the first value.
When I twirl down the dropdown, it has the list filtered for the pre-selected value. In order to see the other values, I have to delete the text in the dropdown. (see GIF below)
This also means the field can’t be blank, which isn’t ideal. And I have it set as not required with no Valid if.
With it set up this way, the users won’t know that other values are available. This isn’t how it used to work in AppSheet, and I can’t find a way around it. Any solution?
I want users to ALWAYS see ALL options available. And I’d prefer the field start out empty. I tried setting the Initial Value to ““, but that didn’t work.
ETA: It seems this is an issue with using the “Desktop Design”, which I haven’t used in the past. When I turn that off, it works how I’m used to. But I’d like to use the Desktop Design if possible, so a solution would be appreciated.
Yes, the dropdown is pre-populating even when I add a new row to the table via the app.
And, just to be sure, I triple checked:
All data validity for this field is empty, and required is FALSE.
All autocompute for this field is empty.
ETA: I just checked one of my older applications after switching it to Desktop Design/Desktop Mode. And I’m seeing different behavior there! The field starts as empty! But the settings seem the same. I’m so confused.
Try to check the “require” checkbox and eliminate it’s formula of false
Make sure the dropdown column it’s not a key column
And if in the scale table the key column is Scale and the value column is a label, then perhaps the 0 key somehow doubles as a false.
Also,I’d still try to change all texts from scale table (both columns) with simple strings
That’s all the ideas I have now. Maybe post some more screenshots for the community, with more dropdown column settings and even with the table configuration, and the Scale table settings
A trick I use with “Desktop Design” enabled, is to make the column’s data type an Enum, Ref. Then, add in a valid if like the screenshot below. (table_name[primary_key]).
This should allow your form to start with a blank field (initial value = Blank, not “ “), and let you select all primary key fields as enums. This also removes the “NEW” option in the dropdown WITHOUT needing to make the table “read-only”.
I would make sure that you have a unique Primary Key column for your Scale table, preferably using UNIQUEID().
After reviewing both your latest comments, I figured out how to fix the issue.
The key column of my reference data (Scale[Scale]) was of type Number. For some reason, that caused the dropdown to automatically select the option “0” (I assume it’s because in AppSheet, NULL is equal to 0 for a Number field).
When I changed the data type of the key column to Text, the dropdown worked as expected.
Thank you again, both, for your help! I wouldn’t have figured it out without your troubleshooting.
