List of Choices Custom Fields

The list of choices field type lets you define a list of field values available for the event editor. The editor may only select from the specific list of values you define. List of choices fields make event entry easier and ensures that consistent values are used across events.

How the list of choices are stored

List of choices field values are stored differently than other field type values. It is important to understand how these values are stored so you understand how changes to the list of choices will impact existing events.

The list of available choices you create are stored in a separate data table and each text entry is assigned a unique ID number. When you select a field value for an event, only this unique ID number is stored in the event. When the value needs to be displayed, the system automatically looks up the display value using the unique ID number. This means that changes to a value in your list of choices are automatically reflected on all events that reference that value.

Deleting and Disabling Values

Existing events are also impacted when you delete a value. Deleting a value will clear that value from any existing events that use the value. In cases where you no longer want a value to be used for new events but need to retain the value for existing events, you should disable the value instead of deleting it. You can disable values from the Edit Field form by selecting the "Include selected values" radio button. This will enable a checkbox next to each value. Uncheck values that you no longer want to be available for new events.

Associated Fields

An advantage of storing field values separate from events is that each value can have additional information associated with it. For instance, the Custom Field Icons feature can be used to associate an image icon with each value for display with events in published views. For more information, see Custom Field Icons Help.