Skip to tutorial content
Rate module Not yet rated

Reference Qualifiers

3 min read
On this page

In this lesson, you will learn:

  • What a reference qualifier is
  • The three types: simple, dynamic, and advanced
  • How to add one to a reference field

1 Too many choices

When you search in the Caller field, you see every user, even people who left SNWR years ago. That’s how mistakes happen. A reference qualifier filters the list so people only see records that make sense. 🔎

Key term: Reference qualifier

A filter on a reference field. It limits which records show up when someone searches or uses the lookup.

2 Three types

The three types of reference qualifier. Simple: build a condition with the condition builder, like Active is true. Best for fixed filters. Dynamic: pick a saved dynamic filter option, like Me or One of My Groups. Best for reusable filters. Advanced: write an encoded query or script, like javascript:'active=true^company=' + current.company. Best when the filter depends on other fields on the form.
Figure 1. Start with Simple. Use Advanced only when you need it.
Type How it works Example
Simple Build a condition with the condition builder. No code Active is true
Dynamic Pick a saved dynamic filter option that others can reuse One of My Groups
Advanced Type an encoded query, or javascript: that builds one javascript:'active=true^company=' + current.company

💡 Good to know: Advanced qualifiers can use current, the record on the form. That’s how the list can change based on another field, like the company.

3 Adding a reference qualifier

  1. Right-click the reference field label and choose Configure Dictionary.
  2. Find the Reference Specification tab (switch to Advanced view if you don’t see it).
  3. Set Use reference qualifier to Simple, Dynamic, or Advanced.
  4. Build the condition, pick the dynamic filter, or type the query. Click Update.

⚠️ Heads up: A qualifier on a Task field changes it for every child table. Need it on one table only? Use a dictionary override with Override reference qualifier (Lesson 30.3).

⭐ Remember: Simple = condition builder. Dynamic = saved filter. Advanced = query or script.

4 Let’s try it: only active users

  1. Open a Room Booking. Choose Configure > Form Builder and add a Reference field called Host that references User. Save.
  2. Back on the form, right-click Host and choose Configure Dictionary.
  3. In Reference Specification, set Use reference qualifier to Simple.
  4. Build the condition: Active is true. Update.
  5. Back on the form, use the lookup icon. Do inactive users still show up?

5 Quick recap

  • A reference qualifier filters the records a reference field shows
  • Three types: Simple, Dynamic, Advanced
  • Set it in the dictionary’s Reference Specification tab
  • Use a dictionary override to change it on one child table

6 Check yourself

Think of your answer first. Then tap to check.

1 You want the Caller list to show only active users, with no code. Which type? Show answer

Simple.

2 The list should change based on the Company field on the form. Which type? Show answer

Advanced, using current.company.

3 Where on the dictionary entry do you set a reference qualifier? Show answer

The Reference Specification tab.

Nice work! You finished this lesson. 🎉

Was this lesson helpful?

Have a question or doubt?

Ask here and get help from instructors and fellow learners.

0 / 300

Only logged-in learners can post.