Connecting controls to fields

You can connect form controls to fields (list columns or task lists) to enable the control to read and store data using the connected field. Connecting a control to a field is also known as binding the control to the field.

When a control is not connected to a field ("unbound"), information collected by the control is saved to the form and visible when the form is opened in view mode.

Note: Controls are not automatically updated if connected fields change. For example, if an option is added to a Choice list item, then the new option does not appear in the previously connected control.

To connect a control to a field

1. Ensure that the field (list column or task list) has the desired configuration and note the field name.

   Note: The default value specified for the field (if any) overrides the default value specified for any connected control.

2. Select the control that you want to connect to the field.
3. In the control settings for the selected control, specify the noted field name by doing one of the following: 

   • In the Properties pane, in the Settings section, under General, select the field name from the drop-down list for Connected to.

     To display the Properties pane, click Properties in the Designer tab of the Forms designer ribbon.

   • In the control settings dialog box, under General, select the field name from the drop-down list for Connected to .

     For instructions on opening the control settings dialog box, see Configuring controls.

To update a control to a field's latest settings, either:

• Manually update the control settings to match the current settings of the field.
• Remove the control and re-add from the Form Controls toolbox.