Now that i have your attention. I have established a series of categories and sub categories for data entry to reduce typos. each category has specific sub categories. the category value list is a simple user defined value list, but the sub categories are a conditional value list referenced from a related table. this part works fine, when you select a category the correct sub catergories display. unfortunately the feature takes over during data entry. when one selects a new sub category filemaker changes the subcategory heading for every record in that category. not a desirable result. what am i missing? how can i make the value list so that it will display only those subcategories that relate to the selected category, but then have unique results for each record?

Is your subcategory field in the entry table a global or, perhaps, the related subcategory field, instead of a non-global, local field?

Hi,

Now that i have your attention.

No more and no less than any other posts.

no such luck, both fields are non global.

Can you zip/stuff and attach your file?

So, i was working on the file, and getting very frustrated, when i realized if i was doing everything that people were suggesting, and it still was not working, maybe it wasn't me. i tried a small sample file, and it worked beautifully, so i set up a shell and imported my data, and that too worked beautifully. so i re-wrote the database, and now everything works just fine. thanks for all your help, i love, love, love, conditional value lists from referenced tables. it is making data entry a joy. and searching data has never been easier.

YOU got my attention!....I am currently several laps behind you...still trying to work out how on earth to create a conditional value list in the first place!

I really need this feature to upgrade one of my FMP solutions, and so far havne't worked out how to impliment!

any input gratefully received!

Do a search for +conditional +value +list on this site. There are several threads with detailed instructions.

got it! it was stairing me in the face all that time! many thanks