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Lookup Fields

The Lookup Field allows you to pull information from a related table via a previously established Link a Record Field. This is essential for building dynamic and connected apps, enabling data to flow seamlessly between tables. This guide explains how to create and configure Lookup Fields in your Buildaible app.

Creating a Lookup Field

There are two ways to create a new Lookup Field in Buildaible:

Way 1: Adding Fields via Table Settings

  1. Access the Table Settings:
    On the table, click the down arrow next to the table name, then select “Table Settings” from the dropdown menu.

  2. Navigate to the Fields Tab:

    1. In the Table Settings screen, click the “Fields” tab.

    2. Click the “+ New Field(s)” button in the top right.

  3. Select Lookup as the field type and configure the settings.

Way 2: Adding Fields via Manage Fields

  1. Open Field Management:

    1. On the table, click the “Manage Fields” button.

  2. Add a New Field:

    1. In the Manage Fields modal, click the “+ New Field” button.

  3. Choose Lookup as the field type, provide a Field Name, and customize the settings.

Note: You must have an existing Link a Record Field before creating a Lookup Field, as it relies on the relationships established by the Link a Record Field.

Settings for Lookup Fields

When creating or editing a Lookup Field, you can configure the following options:

  • Show in Table Home: Toggle this option to display the field in the default Table Home view.

  • Select Primary Lookup Field: Choose the Link a Record Field that establishes the relationship with the table from which you want to pull data.

  • Select Field to Lookup: Select the specific field in the related table whose values you want to display in this Lookup Field.

  • Helper Text (Optional): Add a short explanation or instruction to guide users when interacting with this field.

  • Description (Optional): Click the + Description link to add detailed information about the field’s purpose and usage for collaborators.

Use Cases for Lookup Fields

  • Customer Details: Automatically display a customer’s contact information or address in an invoice table.

  • Project Insights: Show the total budget or priority status from a project table in a task table.

  • Product Data: Retrieve product names, prices, or categories for use in an order table.

Editing a Lookup Field

To edit an existing Lookup Field:

  1. Navigate to the Fields tab in your table settings.

  2. Select the Lookup Field you want to modify and adjust the settings as needed.

Best Practices

  • Plan Your Lookups: Ensure you’ve created meaningful relationships via Link a Record Fields before adding Lookup Fields.

  • Use Helper Text for Guidance: Provide clear instructions on what data the field is pulling and how it should be used.

  • Keep Field Names Descriptive: Use intuitive names like “Customer Email” or “Project Priority” to make the field’s purpose clear.

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