List fields do not support choices - Support and Troubleshooting

Issue

A configuration that is becoming more and more common is using a List type field (like watch_list) with choices. This is being done to create a sort of "multiple choice" field but it is not a supported configuration and can lead to problems.

Some of the problems that this can cause are:

Choices in the list may show their value instead of their label.
Scripted logic performing operations against the mis-configured field do not function as expected.
Choices are not translated properly.
Unable to set the field value via template.

Cause

These issues come up because the List field type was not designed to be used in this way. It is a reference field and the only supported configuration is that it is set up as a reference field.

Resolution

Make sure the field is configured properly in the the system dictionary.

1. List fields are reference fields so make sure you have a valid reference configured.

2. Make sure there are no choices defined in the Choices related list.

3. Make sure that the choice list specification is set to "none".

If you're used to using these fields as "multiple choice" fields, the best way to accomplish this without going against the design of the data type is to create a choice table and define the choices you need there. Then, configure the field so that it references that table and remove your old choice configurations.