cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Reply
dfin
Frequent Visitor

Dropdown default value - set to blank value?

I have an edit screen with two dropdowns controls.  The first dropdown is Client and the sceond is ClientProject.  After choosing the client, the user can seleect the specific project for the client.  The ClientProject dropdown is filtering it's list values based on the value of the Client dropdown.

 

When adding a new record, though, after I select a client, the Client Project dropdown always gets set to the first value on the list.  I would preer that it would be left blank.  Is this possible?

 

Thanks,

Dave

41 REPLIES 41
Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi and thank you for your answer, and sorry for my responding late.

 

I think I may not relate my issue in an understandable way.

 

The thing is:

The reason for me wanting to have blanks as default is that I do want my users to actually have to choose/type the data they submit. My validation works and is not an issue.

I have a form that i want to use only for creating new items in my sharepoint list. Everything is working fine.. almost... My dropdown fields are troubblesome - I got two of them (The other fields are: two "type" fields and one attachment field - these resets just fine).

 

After i submit my first form things looks fine. When I try to open my form again to make another item, my form resets all fields to my default (blanks), except for my two dropdown fields. These two fields retain values from my last input, no matter what I try, I do not really have to submit the form either, if I try to reset after just choosing a value - it stays forever.

 

I have set the default FormMode.NEW for this form, and there is no default values from Sharepoint either. So there should not really be anything from outside powerapps to cause this behaviour.

 

All the best

Henrik

 

This assumes you have a blank record in the source* used to populate your dropdown:

 Edit for clarity: I don't use the default forms, so this is how I do it. If the auto form reset does not work, I'm betting the *note below is why

Screen.OnVisible=UpdateContext({vReset:true})

Screen.OnHidden=UpdateContext({vReset:false})

Dropdown.Default=""

Dropdown.Reset=vReset

 

*The "Default" MUST be a value available within the dropdown source, otherwise it will never reset back to it. The first time a form opens it may give you a blank by default, but after that dropdown has been changed, the dropdown will only reset to a "Default" value that matches a value in the dropdown source.

I'm new to Powerapps and am having the hardest time trying to set my default values to blank.  I have the default value in my Sharepoint list set to blank and I've included a blank in my reference tables.  I have it working for one column and I thought it is because I use the following code:

If(IsBlank(ThisItem.BudgetYR),Blank(),ThisItem.BudgetYR)

 

however, I try the same code in a different column (both columns are setup as dropdowns referencing tables), but it isn't setting the default value to blank

 

If(IsBlank(ThisItem.Category),Blank(),ThisItem.Category)

 

Would you know what I'm doing wrong?

Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi @ruth

 

First, for some reason I do not know, everything seemes to work for me now.

 

My sharepoint list

Is set up to have only values I want as valid datainput - read no blanks in my SP-choices. All of my dropdownfields are required, none have any default values.

 

 

In PowerApps (I hope i dont make this messy by inserting XX where names only make sense to me)

I do use a form and I only use that form to create new items.

The defaultmode is set to "FormMode.New".

The OnReset is set to "NewForm(XX)"

My datacards have:

the Default fields set to: "ThisItem.XX",

the Update fields set to: "DataCardValueXX.Selected".

 

Then "inside" my datacards I have set the values like this:

the Items fields set to: "Choices('XX'.XX)",

the InputTextPlaceHolder or Hint text is set to something that helps the user to understand what this field is all about. And by not having the blanks as default this hint text shows in the app and I like that 🙂 ,

the dropdown datacards in my form has the Default fields blank as in I have not typed in anything here... not even BLANK(),

the DefaultSelectedItems fields are set to "Parent.Default".

 

And again.. I do not know what has happened since my last post in this thread.. but now it all of a sudden worked and has been since. There i a chance though that I may have tried to delete my old form and start over. If it is not too much trouble for you i recomend doing that.

 

I'm not good enough at reading your formulaes, so I can only hope this may help you in any way.

 

all the best

Henrik

 

@ruth I would follow @Anonymous's suggestion and start over if possible. Sometimes I think there are data we can't see tied to objects that just doesn't fix itself, or more likely for me, something I clicked on/off of and never notice again no matter how many times I go thru the settings.

 

I'm not sure how your list is designed. I think what you did was have a list for BudgetYR containing acceptable values, then your main list has a column BudgetYR which is a "Lookup" column using values from the other list? Perhaps you did something else...let us know if starting over doesn't help.

 

FYI, I tried two different methods and had no issues:

  1. Created SharePoint list with a "Choice" column called Category, entered in choices, made sure "None" was selected for default value
  2. Created list "choices" with each record being a choice(I just used Title column), and another list "base" with a column named lookup choice of type "Lookup" pointing to choices list, Title column.

Both these options work fine with the default form created when I click "PowerApps > Create an app". They reset to blank fields as expected. This is why I think starting over might be of benefit. In my #2 method (the one I think you may be attempting), the Dropdown.Default is blank and Dropdown.DefaultSelectedItems = Parent.Default

 

Hope this helps!

 

Edit: Had wrong list/column name in my explanation #2. Hope I didn't confuse

Hi, @Anonymous & @strategery, sorry to be responding so late.  I was able to get the BudgetYR and Category working only because I set a default year for BudgetYR and I did enter a blank value in the Category list - which in hindsight, I think I'd rather not have a blank, however, it's working for now.  The one field that I cannot have a blank value in the list is my Vendor field.  I'm not using a Lookup in this list as I'm storing text fields in my list.  This might be my problem. I can't use a lookup because my list resides on another Sharepoint site.  

Shanescows
Most Valuable Professional
Most Valuable Professional

Ruth here is how you can recreate LookUp columns in SharePoint using PowerApps.This works across site collections also. 

 

For setting the default blank value I usually create a - as the first item in my list of choices and use that as the default. Not perfect but better than nothing. 

Shane - Microsoft MVP, YouTube, and PowerApps Consulting for when you are in a bind to get this fixed quickly. And finally we now have PowerApps Training

@ruth I highly recommend you watch @Shanescows video. He covers some of the irritating quirks as well.  Similar to Shane inserting a "-" into the records, I tend to enter something like (choose one), set my dropdown Default to "(choose one)" (quotes included), then use Visibility to hide the "Save" button on my form if any dropdown = "(choose one)"

 

Example for Vendor: Set Visibility on your button to

 

Dropdown1.Selected.Vendor <> "(choose one)"

 

Example with 2 dropdowns: Set Visibility on your button to

 

(Dropdown1.Selected.Vendor <> "(choose one)") && (Dropdown2.Selected.Category <> "(choose one)")

 

 

 

@Shanescows I watched your video, good info. Here's how I tackle blanks by default, for a couple reasons...one, I have no dummy records, and two, cascading dropdowns tend to filter much faster with collections.

Screen.OnVisible = ClearCollect(tempCollection,{Vendor:""},'SPList_Vendors')

Dropdown1.Items = tempCollection

Dropdown1.Default = ""

(This creates a collection from existing data plus a record you manually entered that is blank...no blanks in actual source needed)

Hi, Shane, thanks, I do really like your videos. 

 

I'm tripping over myself here, I thought they were referring to an actual lookup on the sharepoint list vs creating a text field and creating the lookup behavior on the powerapp.

 

Thanks for your videos.  They're great!!!

Thank for a solution of blank row in collection.

 

I was looking for this all internet.

Helpful resources

Announcements

Exclusive LIVE Community Event: Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat with Copilot Studio Product Team

  It's time for the SECOND Power Apps Copilot Coffee Chat featuring the Copilot Studio product team, which will be held LIVE on April 3, 2024 at 9:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).     This is an incredible opportunity to connect with members of the Copilot Studio product team and ask them anything about Copilot Studio. We'll share our special guests with you shortly--but we want to encourage to mark your calendars now because you will not want to miss the conversation.   This live event will give you the unique opportunity to learn more about Copilot Studio plans, where we’ll focus, and get insight into upcoming features. We’re looking forward to hearing from the community, so bring your questions!   TO GET ACCESS TO THIS EXCLUSIVE AMA: Kudo this post to reserve your spot! Reserve your spot now by kudoing this post.  Reservations will be prioritized on when your kudo for the post comes through, so don't wait! Click that "kudo button" today.   Invitations will be sent on April 2nd.Users posting Kudos after April 2nd. at 9AM PDT may not receive an invitation but will be able to view the session online after conclusion of the event. Give your "kudo" today and mark your calendars for April 3rd, 2024 at 9:30 AM PDT and join us for an engaging and informative session!

Tuesday Tip: Unlocking Community Achievements and Earning Badges

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!     THIS WEEK'S TIP: Unlocking Achievements and Earning BadgesAcross the Communities, you'll see badges on users profile that recognize and reward their engagement and contributions. These badges each signify a different achievement--and all of those achievements are available to any Community member! If you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you too can earn badges for the great work you do. Check out some details on Community badges below--and find out more in the detailed link at the end of the article!       A Diverse Range of Badges to Collect The badges you can earn in the Community cover a wide array of activities, including: Kudos Received: Acknowledges the number of times a user’s post has been appreciated with a “Kudo.”Kudos Given: Highlights the user’s generosity in recognizing others’ contributions.Topics Created: Tracks the number of discussions initiated by a user.Solutions Provided: Celebrates the instances where a user’s response is marked as the correct solution.Reply: Counts the number of times a user has engaged with community discussions.Blog Contributor: Honors those who contribute valuable content and are invited to write for the community blog.       A Community Evolving Together Badges are not only a great way to recognize outstanding contributions of our amazing Community members--they are also a way to continue fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. As you continue to share your knowledge and assist each other these badges serve as a visual representation of your valuable contributions.   Find out more about badges in these Community Support pages in each Community: All About Community Badges - Power Apps CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Automate CommunityAll About Community Badges - Copilot Studio CommunityAll About Community Badges - Power Pages Community

Tuesday Tips: Powering Up Your Community Profile

TUESDAY TIPS are our way of communicating helpful things we've learned or shared that have helped members of the Community. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned pro, Tuesday Tips will help you know where to go, what to look for, and navigate your way through the ever-growing--and ever-changing--world of the Power Platform Community! We cover basics about the Community, provide a few "insider tips" to make your experience even better, and share best practices gleaned from our most active community members and Super Users.   With so many new Community members joining us each week, we'll also review a few of our "best practices" so you know just "how" the Community works, so make sure to watch the News & Announcements each week for the latest and greatest Tuesday Tips!   This Week's Tip: Power Up Your Profile!  🚀 It's where every Community member gets their start, and it's essential that you keep it updated! Your Community User Profile is how you're able to get messages, post solutions, ask questions--and as you rank up, it's where your badges will appear and how you'll be known when you start blogging in the Community Blog. Your Community User Profile is how the Community knows you--so it's essential that it works the way you need it to! From changing your username to updating contact information, this Knowledge Base Article is your best resource for powering up your profile.     Password Puzzles? No Problem! Find out how to sync your Azure AD password with your community account, ensuring a seamless sign-in. No separate passwords to remember! Job Jumps & Email Swaps Changed jobs? Got a new email? Fear not! You'll find out how to link your shiny new email to your existing community account, keeping your contributions and connections intact. Username Uncertainties Unraveled Picking the perfect username is crucial--and sometimes the original choice you signed up with doesn't fit as well as you may have thought. There's a quick way to request an update here--but remember, your username is your community identity, so choose wisely. "Need Admin Approval" Warning Window? If you see this error message while using the community, don't worry. A simple process will help you get where you need to go. If you still need assistance, find out how to contact your Community Support team. Whatever you're looking for, when it comes to your profile, the Community Account Support Knowledge Base article is your treasure trove of tips as you navigate the nuances of your Community Profile. It’s the ultimate resource for keeping your digital identity in tip-top shape while engaging with the Power Platform Community. So, dive in and power up your profile today!  💪🚀   Community Account Support | Power Apps Community Account Support | Power AutomateCommunity Account Support | Copilot Studio  Community Account Support | Power Pages

Super User of the Month | Chris Piasecki

In our 2nd installment of this new ongoing feature in the Community, we're thrilled to announce that Chris Piasecki is our Super User of the Month for March 2024. If you've been in the Community for a while, we're sure you've seen a comment or marked one of Chris' helpful tips as a solution--he's been a Super User for SEVEN consecutive seasons!       Since authoring his first reply in April 2020 to his most recent achievement organizing the Canadian Power Platform Summit this month, Chris has helped countless Community members with his insights and expertise. In addition to being a Super User, Chris is also a User Group leader, Microsoft MVP, and a featured speaker at the Microsoft Power Platform Conference. His contributions to the new SUIT program, along with his joyous personality and willingness to jump in and help so many members has made Chris a fixture in the Power Platform Community.   When Chris isn't authoring solutions or organizing events, he's actively leading Piasecki Consulting, specializing in solution architecture, integration, DevOps, and more--helping clients discover how to strategize and implement Microsoft's technology platforms. We are grateful for Chris' insightful help in the Community and look forward to even more amazing milestones as he continues to assist so many with his great tips, solutions--always with a smile and a great sense of humor.You can find Chris in the Community and on LinkedIn. Thanks for being such a SUPER user, Chris! 💪🌠

Find Out What Makes Super Users So Super

We know many of you visit the Power Platform Communities to ask questions and receive answers. But do you know that many of our best answers and solutions come from Community members who are super active, helping anyone who needs a little help getting unstuck with Business Applications products? We call these dedicated Community members Super Users because they are the real heroes in the Community, willing to jump in whenever they can to help! Maybe you've encountered them yourself and they've solved some of your biggest questions. Have you ever wondered, "Why?"We interviewed several of our Super Users to understand what drives them to help in the Community--and discover the difference it has made in their lives as well! Take a look in our gallery today: What Motivates a Super User? - Power Platform Community (microsoft.com)

March User Group Update: New Groups and Upcoming Events!

  Welcome to this month’s celebration of our Community User Groups and exciting User Group events. We’re thrilled to introduce some brand-new user groups that have recently joined our vibrant community. Plus, we’ve got a lineup of engaging events you won’t want to miss. Let’s jump right in: New User Groups   Sacramento Power Platform GroupANZ Power Platform COE User GroupPower Platform MongoliaPower Platform User Group OmanPower Platform User Group Delta StateMid Michigan Power Platform Upcoming Events  DUG4MFG - Quarterly Meetup - Microsoft Demand PlanningDate: 19 Mar 2024 | 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Dive into the world of manufacturing with a focus on Demand Planning. Learn from industry experts and share your insights. Dynamics User Group HoustonDate: 07 Mar 2024 | 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM Central America Standard TimeDescription: Houston, get ready for an immersive session on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Connect with fellow professionals and expand your knowledge. Reading Dynamics 365 & Power Platform User Group (Q1)Date: 05 Mar 2024 | 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM GMT Standard TimeDescription: Join our virtual meetup for insightful discussions, demos, and community updates. Let’s kick off Q1 with a bang! Leaders, Create Your Events!    Leaders of existing User Groups, don’t forget to create your events within the Community platform. By doing so, you’ll enable us to share them in future posts and newsletters. Let’s spread the word and make these gatherings even more impactful! Stay tuned for more updates, inspiring stories, and collaborative opportunities from and for our Community User Groups.   P.S. Have an event or success story to share? Reach out to us – we’d love to feature you!

Top Solution Authors
Top Kudoed Authors
Users online (5,625)