How to Add Data Field to Existing Custom List Form?

Question

Say I have created a really simple custom list via Sharepoint Designer, and then created a custom NewForm.aspx called NewFormTest.aspx to go with it. Now I have to add a field to the custom list. I understand that a custom form does not get updated automatically when a new field is created in the underlying list (data source).

So,how in the world do I get that new field to show up in my custom form?

I know if I update the custom list and create a new NewFormTest form, that it would populate, but then I would have to go and reformat my whole list!

I can't see any way to just drag the field from "Current Data Source" in the "Data Source Details" panel. What good is that panel? I'm sure I am missing something. Here is what it looks like in my SPD:

I've read this thread, but didn't see what I was looking for.

Answer 1

Please follow the steps given below

• Open the form you need to edit in SharePoint Designer ”split view”.
• Place your cursor on and highlight the row of data below (or above) where you want to add the new field.
• Right click on the highlighted row and select Insert – Row Above (or Row Below depending on your situation). A new empty row will be added to the form.

• Highlight one of the existing field titles on your form and copy it into the first column in the new row you just created. Change the title to the title you would like to use for your new field.
• Highlight your new field title and look in the code view and verify that all of the formatting tags were also copied. Often, you will need to copy the actual code for the title from the existing to the new title to ensure the look and feel stays the same.
• Click in the second column of the new row.
• Open the Data Source Library and open the List or Library that corresponds with the form you are modifying. Click the list or Library and select Show Data. The Data Source Details window will open and scroll to the field you would like to insert.
• Select the field you want to insert right-click and select Insert as List Form Field.

• Insert a Field into a SharePoint Designer List Form Field
• The field will be added. Save your form and test in the browser.

Source: Internet

Answer 2

The easiest way to accomplish this is

1. Copy and paste a field that has the same characteristics (i.e. multi-line, dropdown, radio button) into the spot for the new field.

2. In the code it will assign it an out of order ID (id="FormField1"). If you click the arrow on the top right of the field, click on the dropdown (Data Field) and find the name of the new field added.

3. Then go into the code and find the id="FormField1") area and change it to the number after the last field's id (id="ff48{$Pos}"). You can find the last field by clicking on the last field and seeing that it is ff48 in the code.
4. Change the new field ID to id="ff49{$Pos}" in the code. You will also need to change the field reference in the same line of code 'u',concat('ff49',$Pos) to match the same number.

Save and you are complete.

Answer 3

The most simple way I have found to do this is from within Sharepoint Designer (2010 in my case) in the ribbon.

1. Open the desired form
2. Click on one of the existing form fields to get the ribbon in the correct context
3. Your ribbon should have an "add/remove columns" - click it to open the dialog window select your column
4. Add your column and move it up or down as desired - yes, it's that easy!

Answer 4

After long last I found the answer.

Refresh the Data Source

The first thing that is necessary is to make sure your current editing session for that form has the most recent collection of fields. To this end, you will need to display the Data Source Details panel, which will display the docking panel with a list of fields.

Then you have to make sure the data is current, so you choose "Refresh data source" - you only need to do this if you have added or deleted fields in the list settings and they are not showing in the Data Source Details. Once you refresh the data, all the fields will display in the Data Source Details panel.

Insert a Sharepoint Control

In the ribbon in the "Insert" tab, you can choose to insert a Sharepoint control. You insert a sharepoint textbox if you want a simple "single line of text" data type. Here is the ribbon insert.

At the bottom of that same dropdown menu, you can also choose to "Show Toolbox", which I have done below and see the same options from the docking panel.

Link the Sharepoint Control to the Data Source

Now you have a text box (or whatever you want) suited for sharepoint, and you can now choose the field for the data source:

I confirm that I have added a field in this manner to a custom NewForm.aspx and that it does receive and retain data just like you would expect.

Answer 5

I didn't do any of that. I figured out that I had to the create the column in my list first and then opened up Customize Form (in the list). I was then able to drag the field to my form (fields that were now listed in the fields box). I must not be really understanding the issue above if it was that easy. :)

Answer 6

Another easy way is just to create a new form which will include all the columns and then find your new column in SP Designer mode and copy the code to your forms that were previously modified in SP Designer!