Converting a dropdown select property to a multi-select property?

[JCambria]

Hi all,

I have a company dropdown select field that has values already in it for 30 or so companies. I want to convert this property to a multi-select property so that multiple values can be chosen by the salespeople. What would the steps be to convert this over - export a report of the existing values, create a new property that is multiselect, then hide/delete the old property? Just want to make sure I’m doing this right.

[Lucila-Andimol]

Hey @JCambria

so when a property is in use you cannot change the format (to keep data integrity)

what you can do it create a 2nd property, multiple checkbox, and the migrate the values from the old property into the new one (you can even do this manually or with a workflow).

Once you have migrate the info, you can delete the old property.

Hope this helps

[karstenkoehler]

Hi @JCambria,

Here’s what I’d recommend:

1. Export the records with the values
2. Bulk edit the records to remove the values: Bulk edit records
3. Change the property type
4. Re-import the values

If the property is not used in other assets (forms, lists, workflows, reports etc), this is by far the best solutions - as it doesn’t require you to create a new property.

Let me know if you need any step explained in more detail!

[JCambria]

Ah yes! This is what I was looking for. I definitely prefer not to have two properties. Thank you!

[trevordjones]

Hi @JCambria ,

There are two different approaches you could take, but the one you describe is the simplest.

1. Create your new property.
2. Export the list list of companies that have values for that property. All you should need is the record ID, the drop down you are migrating from, and the new multi-checkbox property.
3. Cut and paste the values from the dropdown to the multi checkbox.
4. Re-import he list, being sure to over-write values. This should clear out the dropdown property and populate the multi-checkbox.

As an alternative, you could use a workflow for this.

1. Trigger is the dropdown is known.
2. Branch on the list of values in the dropdown.
3. Action on each branch is to set property value for the multi-checkbox to the same value as it had oin the dropdown. You can use the option “append” in case someone has used the new property so you don’t have to over-write values.
4. Next action on each branch is to clear the dropdown.

Once the old dropdown has been cleared out you can archive it.

[YuliaD]

Or you can always update it with API in one click, I’m changing property types sending a request like this one from a free account on postman. Its just one line and you don’t need to know any coding.
This way you can update any property even if it is used in lists and flows - you should just check them after updating that all filters are still working correctly.

[TasnimulMahi]

what was the Payload ?? can u share ?