Create a many-to-many table relationship

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 12, 2026
  • 1 minute to read

    • Create a bi-directional relationship between two tables, so that the related records are visible from both tables in a related list.

    Before you begin

    Role required: admin.

    About this task

    Many-to-many relationships allow a list to point to a list of entries, rather than to single field.

    If a knowledge base article points to a list of related configuration items, it uses a related list. Not all lists can be used as related lists, however. For a list to be related to another list, a many-to-many relationship that refers to both tables must exist.

    The Many to Many Definitions [sys_m2m] table allows administrators to create custom many-to-many relationships.

    Many-to-Many tables aren't considered custom tables and don't count toward your custom table allotment.

    Procedure

    1. In the navigation filter, enter sys_m2m.list.
    2. Click New.
    3. In the From table field, specify a parent table.
    4. In the To table field, specify a child table.
      The Many-to-Many form automatically populates the other fields with suggested values.
    5. Optional: Edit other field values, if appropriate.
      Note:
      Many-to-Many table names cannot exceed 30 characters.