Drop down menu results not an option when building app

[jmbiksoc1]

When creating an app, I'd like to display the results of a drop down menu question on my browse screen.  I try to insert a label and select the correct DataField, but none of the cards that are List Views (drop down menu's) are an option.  I can't tell if this is a known issue that's being worked on or if it's user error on my part.  I'm thinking that since I used a default BroseScreen Template and a default Layout that seems to only include "Title, Subtitle, and body" that for some reason that filters out the drop down menu choice and makes it so I can't use it.  If that's the case, is there a way to modify the Layout to allow all categories or types of data?

[nickduxfield]

Send a screenshot with arrows, I think I have an idea of what you are referring to, but still not certain.

[jmbiksoc1]

Hi Nick, thanks for your help,

1. Used a template that created a browse / search & detail screens

2. In my list in sharepoint I created a column that uses a drop down single select menu ("Status", New, In Review, Closed)

3. Name of DataField is "Status"

4. On BrowseScreen1, when I try to change the DataField in "Subtitle2", "Status" is not an option.  Neither are any other multi or single select drop down menu items.

[nickduxfield · Accepted solution]

Yes, I thought this was the case.

These complex type fields are not available in the gallery even if you add the dropdown control.

They only expect Text or Number values.

1) The simple approach is to add a calculated column tp you SharePointList either at the SiteColumns or List Column level with a Title "StatusCalculation". I see that you used 'Status' which is already reserved, so It appears you have a list column.

if([Status]="New","New",If(Status]="In Review","In Review","Closed")) Output as a Text type.

Refrest sources in PowerApps and this new calculated column should populate.

You can use this column in the gallery for your indicator.

2) The more compatible approach with PowerApps and flow is to create a single line of text column with a max character limit of 30, title Status or StatusText.

Refresh sources.

Convert the single line of text control type to Allowed Values.

Now it functions as a choice field, while being a single line of text field.

Add in the items ["New","In Review","Closed"]

Add this column in the gallery.

Take note of a lookup column threshold limit in PowerApps and Flow which is 8-10 lookup columns.

Choice columns count against that. Minus 4 system columns. 

[jmbiksoc1]

Thanks for the workaround.  I'll mess with both options to see which is more user friendly for the UX.  I hope microsoft adds in all options or at least provides these types of tips so others don't assume drop downs will work in powerapps.  It's really a shame because the potential of powerapps and flow are amazing minus these types of limitations.

[jmbiksoc1]

Hey Nick, how do I change the single line of text control type to "allowed values"?  I went through the settings, but maybe I don't have that level of permissions or admin ability?

[nickduxfield]

See this post: https://powerusers.microsoft.com/t5/PowerApps-Forum/Drop-down-local-values/m-p/53643#M22270

Some quick points:

1. I noticed that the powerapps UI has changed however, you can now access the data cards in a different way. In the properties tab. See pic.
2. You can only change control types for datacards that are NOT unlocked. You may have to readd cards if the case.