Cascading Lookup columns

Question

I have a project where I need to create a form. In that form I have several columns. The columns that I have questions about are

1. assignment category

2. Assignment type

I have questions because the user wants these columns to have choices. No problem. But he would like if a certain choice is made in the category column, a field pops up asking what is the code for choice. It is only required for two out of the choices in the column.

In the assignment type column, there would be 3 choices. If someone selected 2 out of the 3, they would get an additional field. For example, the assignment type has writing, editing, and proofing choices. If a user selected writing, then they would need to select original writing or rewrite in a field that appeared. If they chose editing, they would need to select Level I or Level II.

First, is this possible? Next, should I use cascading lookup columns? If so, how do I setup the columns that would make the a new column appear once a choice is made?

I know I would have to edit the form and probably use infopath. Any help would be greatly appreciated?

Thank you

Answer 1

Personally, I would just use a SP form. Creating the cascading drop down wouldn't be too hard to do. I've used this many times and it is effective. Use SPServices.SPCascadingDropdowns for this. The code piece I generally use is this:

<script type="text/javascript"> 
$(document).ready(function(){ 
 $().SPServices.SPCascadeDropdowns({ 
  relationshipList: "Assignment Type", 
  relationshipListParentColumn: "Assignment Category", 
  relationshipListChildColumn: "Title", 
  parentColumn: "Assignment Category", 
  childColumn: "Assignment Type", 
  debug: true 
 })    
}) 
</script> 

Make sure you include a reference to the SPServices library as well

<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/jquery.SPServices/2014.01/jquery.SPServices.min.js"></script> 

As for having a field hidden unless a specific choice is selected is that completely necessary or can it just be blank? You could just set this up by having it blank fairly easily. If you wanted it to be hidden you would have to do some development.

Here's a couple of examples on how to use SPServices.SPCascadingDropdowns as well:

http://www.codeproject.com/Tips/758909/Two-Level-Cascading-Drop-Down-in-SharePoint-using http://www.uccorner.com/332/sharepoint/cascading-drop-down-multiple-levels/

Edit:

In your case, if you want to add the two fields for a cascading drop down:

1. Create list named Assignment Category
   • This list only contains the Title field. Insert all of your choices for Assignment Category.
2. Create list named Assignment Type
   • Add a field that is a lookup to Assignment Category. Insert all of your choices for Assignment Type in the title field and link them to the appropriate Category.
3. Add lookup fields to your main list for Assignment Category and Assignment Type pointing at the title of their own respective lists.
4. Go into SP Designer and find the main list. Find the NewForm form.
5. After this line: <asp:Content ContentPlaceHolderId="PlaceHolderAdditionalPageHead" runat="server"> enter the script from above.
   • I updated the script, you may have to alter the names a little bit but should be close.

Hopefully that works for you, if not let me know.

Answer 2

If you choose InfoPath as a somewhat more user-friendly way to customize the form (supported until 2020 but deprecated by Microsoft), consider reading the recipes on bizsupportonline, there are lots of them, your specific problem also solved a couple of ways.