dependent picklists

How to Create a Dependent Picklist in Salesforce

Salesforce dependent picklist are a powerful feature that allows users to create dynamic lists of options that change based on previous selections. Essentially, dependent picklists help to streamline data entry and ensure that users only see relevant options, which can save time and improve data accuracy.

In Salesforce, picklists are used to present users with a set of preset options for a given field. For example, a picklist for the “Industry” field might include options such as “Manufacturing,” “Finance,” and “Healthcare.” With dependent picklists, the options presented to the user can change based on the selection made in another picklist. For example, if the user selects “Manufacturing” as the industry, a second picklist for “Product Type” might appear with options such as “Machinery,” “Electronics,” and “Chemicals.”

The benefits of using dependent picklists are numerous. First, they can help to ensure data accuracy by presenting users with only relevant options. This reduces the risk of errors caused by selecting the wrong option from a long list of choices. Second, dependent picklists can save time by reducing the number of options that users have to review and select from. This is especially useful when working with large sets of data or when users need to quickly enter data on a regular basis. Finally, dependent picklists can help to create a more user-friendly interface that guides users through the data entry process.

Overall, dependent picklists are a powerful tool for streamlining data entry and improving data accuracy in Salesforce. By presenting users with only relevant options, dependent picklists can save time, reduce errors, and create a more user-friendly interface.

Youtube Video

With that being said, I want to mention that we have a video on how to create a dependent picklist. This is on the Salesforce Emily youtube channel.

The tutorial is embedded, keep scrolling to see the step-by-step tutorial!

Step-by-Step Tutorial

The first thing you will need to do is navigate to the object manager.

To get there go to setup and click on object manager.

object manager

From the object manager select the object you would like the dependent picklist to be on.

select object

Next you will either need to create a new picklist or edit an exsisting one.

For this tutorial we are creating a new picklist.

Create a picklist

Picklist 1 is created with some options.

Picklist 2 is created with a similar amount of options.

create a picklist

After those are created, navigate to the list of the fields on the object.

Then click on field dependencies.

Select Field Dependencies

Click new.

new dependent picklist

From here you can choose the controlling and dependent fields.

choose field dependencies

Click continue.

select controlling and dependent fields

Then you can choose which options are displayed on the dependent picklist after the controlling picklist value has been chosen!

choose picklists dependencies

Click save and you have created your very own dependent picklist!

Conclusion

A big congrats to you for making it through this blog post! We hope you found it useful!

Check out the Salesforce Emily youtube channel here.

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