question Re: How to use "name" instead of "display name" for a reference field in one spe in Developer forum

How to use "name" instead of "display name" for a reference field in one specific table only

beycos — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:48:14 GMT

Hello,

The reference field shows the Display Name from table X, as expected, since the Display Name field has Display = true. Without changing this setting, is it possible to use the Name field for the reference field, but only in one specific table?

Thank you and Regards,

Beyza

Re: How to use "name" instead of "display name" for a reference field in one spe

Ankur Bawiskar — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:53:35 GMT

@beycos

whatever field is marked with Display=True it will show that value once reference value is selected

Without touching the Display=True at dictionary you can't control what's seen there.

If my response helped please mark it correct and close the thread so that it benefits future readers.

Re: How to use "name" instead of "display name" for a reference field in one spe

Dr Atul G- LNG — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:58:15 GMT

Hi @beycos

It’s not possible unless the 'Display Name' is set to True. This behavior is by design and is the standard out-of-the-box functionality."

Re: How to use "name" instead of "display name" for a reference field in one spe

beycos — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:50:44 GMT

Can’t we do this by changing the view? By creating a new view , but without "display name" in the new view?

Re: How to use "name" instead of "display name" for a reference field in one spe

Dr Atul G- LNG — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:29:28 GMT

A view is simply a way to control what you want to display (which fields to show), but the display logic is handled at the table level. Since the same field is being used across views, what you're asking isn't possible @beycos

Re: How to use "name" instead of "display name" for a reference field in one spe

beycos — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:27:46 GMT

Hello again Atul,

Currently, in the CMDB table, the "Display Name" field is set to Display = true, and it shows the value in the format (name - company name). However, in table X, I want to use only the name field (not the full display name) in a reference field.

I'm trying to find an alternative solution for this.

I created a new string field and I'm attempting to use a Client Script to populate it with only the part of the reference field's display value up to the first dash (-).
After that, I plan to hide the reference field.

I wrote the following script, but it's not working yet.

function onLoad() {

g_form.getReference('u_business_product_or_service_name', function(ref) {

if (ref) {

var displayValue = ref.getDisplayValue();

if (displayValue) {

var shortValue = displayValue.split('-')[0].trim();

g_form.setValue('u_short', shortValue); // Show only the part before dash

}

});

}

Could I get your opinion or suggestions on this?

Thank you

Beyza