For the solution I'm working on, there are fields that need to have codes in them that I want to have the user chose by value list, but the codes themselves are not very descriptive.

for example, lets say I have a field that can take the codes A, B, or C

I want a pop up menu that will be something like

A - foo

B - bar

C - goo

and then have ONLY the letter go in the field

So far, I've been using two fields. One for the value list with the description, and another for the actual code that is a calculation field that sets the appropraite code based on the value selected in the other field

is there a more elegant way of doing this?

Use a "support" fiel in which you create fields Key and Description, and 3 records in which you enter

Key - Description

A - foo

B - bar

C - goo

Back in your original file set the list to show values from field Key of the support file, and check the "Show also values from ..." option, choosing to also show the values in Description

in filemaker 5 you can have value lists from fields which allow you to set "also show values from field <another field>, sort by either first or seciond field.

set up a related file with a global key (1=1), code and description. The value list will enter the code only but will show the description as well.