General
Picklists are used in various modules as fields whose values are chosen from predefined options. A picklist is a list from which the user can select one or more options, such as “Membership type”, “Municipality”, or “Activity group”.
Picklists for different modules are managed in the Layout Editor, which can be accessed via the module’s Settings button. A picklist-type field can be identified by its type (“picklist”) and the pencil–paper icon next to the field. Clicking the icon opens a view where you can review and edit the list’s options and add translations for different languages.
Creating new picklists
A new picklist is created under Settings → Picklist editing. The view shows all available modules and their picklists. When a new list is created, it is automatically placed in the “Not in a module” section, from where it can be linked to the desired module in the Layout Editor.
Once the list is linked, it appears among the available fields. Its values can then be used in processes, filters, and dynamic conditions in the same way as values from other lists.
Mass creation of values
Multiple values can be added at once using the mass import function on the right side of the picklist. Enter the values into the field, one per line, and click Save. The system creates a new value from each line. Mass import is the fastest way to bring in extensive value lists, for example for classification purposes.
In addition, the Import from module button reveals values that have been attempted to be imported — for example via a CSV file or an integration — but were not matched to existing values. This allows missing values to be added directly to the list.
Editing picklists
At the top of the Layout Editor, there are two menus: modules on the left and their picklists on the right. First, select a module, and then choose the picklist you want. You can then add new values, delete values, or edit translations of existing values without changing the technical value.
- Open the module and select Settings → Layout Editor.
- From the left menu, select the module, and from the right, its picklist.
- Add a new value using the + button at the lower-left corner of the table.
- Open translation edit mode with the pencil–paper icon.
- Delete a value if needed using the Delete button (x).
If a value needs to be changed, create a new value and delete the old one. When deleting, the system will ask where the existing data should be transferred.
If an entire picklist is deleted, it first moves to the “Not in a module” section.
From there, it can be permanently deleted or re-linked to the desired module.
This prevents accidental data loss and allows controlled cleanup.
Errors with picklists
Error: “A Picklist has a value longer than the connected field”
This error appears if the picklist contains a value that exceeds the allowed character count of the linked field. The length limit is defined when the field is created and cannot be increased without a technical change. The error can appear in any module where the picklist is used.
- Create a new value within the allowed length (e.g., “SpecialOrder” → “SpecialOrd”).
- Delete the invalid value from the list.
- When the system prompts for transfer, choose the new value as the target for the data.
- Save and verify that the error no longer occurs.
Picklist value limitations
The maximum length of a picklist value is 50 characters. This limitation applies to new values and does not change previously stored values. New values cannot be created if they exceed the character limit of the linked field. The system notifies the administrator if a picklist is linked to a field whose limit is exceeded.
Picklists – Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I edit a picklist value directly?
A picklist value is a technical identifier used to map data. Changing it would break references to historical data. If a value needs to be changed, create a new value and delete the old one. During deletion, the system asks for a target value to which the old data will be safely transferred.
How do I add multiple values at once?
Use the mass import on the right side of the picklist. Paste the values into the text field, one per line, and click Save. The system creates the values automatically. Note that translations cannot be added during mass import; enter them separately in the Layout Editor afterward.
Why do I get the error “A Picklist has a value longer than the connected field”?
A picklist value exceeds the character limit of the linked field. Create a shorter value, delete the invalid one, and transfer the old data to the new value during deletion. The translation can be longer, so the user-facing view remains unchanged.
What is the maximum length of a picklist value?
The maximum length of a new picklist value is 50 characters. The limitation does not affect previously stored values. If the list is linked to a field with a smaller character limit, the system warns before linking and prevents the use of overly long values.
Why does “Not in a module” appear in the picklist?
“Not in a module” is a temporary holding area for a list that has been removed from a module but not from the system. You can delete the list permanently or re-link it to the desired module in the Layout Editor. This prevents accidental data loss.
Can picklists be shared across multiple modules?
Yes. The same list can be linked to multiple modules as long as the character limit and other technical constraints are respected. If the list is linked to a field with a smaller limit, the system warns the administrator before linking.
How do I ensure translations display correctly?
Translations are managed in the Picklist Editor. Add translations for each value in all the languages in use. If a translation is missing, the value appears in the UI with its technical name. Translation length can exceed the technical value’s character limit.
What’s the difference between a technical value and a translation?
A technical value is the identifier stored in the database. A translation is the user-facing text that can be localized. The technical value should not be changed; create a new value and transfer the data. Translations can be updated freely without affecting the underlying data.