Most records in MinistryPlatform directly relate to other records. When two record types are related, you can choose an option from either a drop-down menu or a pick list. Here's an example from an Event record:

In our Event example, the Event Type, Congregation, and Location are all related records. You can click inside the field to display the drop-down, or you can click the search icon to use the pick list.

Drop-Down Lists

Use drop-down lists to select from a list of default entries. This is usually shorter than the complete list available in the pick list. If you can't find the item you need to select, use the pick list instead.

Drop-down menus always sort alphabetically to help you make your selection more quickly, especially for long lists. You can also start typing inside the field to narrow the list of options.

To clear a selected value, click the X inside the field.

Pick Lists

Use pick lists to select from all records. With pick lists, you can filter, view, select, and add records. To open a pick list, click the magnifying glass next to the field.

• Search – Use standard search methods to narrow down your list. See Searching the Platform.
• Views – Views available on a page are also available for the page's pick list.
• Selections – Selections available on a page are also available on the page's pick list.
• New Record – Add a record if you can't find the one you need.
  Note: You'll need to search for something before the New Record button will display. This helps reduce duplicate records.

Filtering Lists

The page's Pick-List View field controls the list in the drop-down menu and the default view in the pick list. See Page fields for more information.