Reference field value edit

[ericgilmore]

I have a record producer with a reference field. This works as expect. However, I want to give users the ability to edit the field on the form and put any value in the field. And I want that value to show up on the submitted record.

I seem to remember being able to allow users to edit a selectbox? choicelist? Something, so they could add a value if it wasn't listed in the choices.

Is this doable?

[pavani_paluri · Accepted solution]

Hi @ericgilmore ,

A reference field in ServiceNow can only point to existing records in another table. That’s why users can’t just type in a new value — it has to match something already there.  

If you want users to type any value they want, you’ll need to use a plain text field instead of a reference. That way, whatever they enter gets saved exactly as they typed it.  

If you still want to keep the reference for standard values but allow flexibility, you can add a second field:  

Example: keep the reference field for normal use, but add a text field called “Other value.”  

If the user types something in “Other value,” you can copy that into the record with a producer script.  

Another option is a choice list with an “Other” option. When users pick “Other,” a text field appears so they can type their custom value.

Mark it helpful if this helps you to understand. Accept solution if this give you the answer you're looking for

Kind Regards,

Pavani P

[ericgilmore]

After looking into the table referenced, and re-evaluating the requirements, which did not allow for updates to the referenced table via form submission . I just added a checkbox to the form directly beneath the reference field (Not found?). Once set active (✓) I displayed another field with a hint about the values needed (i.e. pie | apple | frozen), set the original field (mandatory==false, readonly) so an admin/lead could examine the request/entry for possible future inclusion in the referenced table.