Working with the Multiple select field

The Multiple select field lets you easily tag records with multiple predefined, colored options from a single list.

This guide covers what a Multiple select field is and when to use it, how to add and configure a Multiple select field, how to create, edit, reorder, and delete options, and how to set a default value for new rows.

Baserow multiple select field image

What is a Multiple select field?

A Multiple select field is similar to the Single select field, as it allows you to choose from a list of predefined, color-coded options. The key difference is that you can select multiple options for a single cell, not just one.

This field type is perfect for tasks like:

  • Tagging articles (e.g., ‘Marketing’, ‘Product’, ‘UX’)
  • Tracking features (‘iOS’, ‘Android’, ‘Web’)
  • Assigning multiple categories to an item

When you change an option’s name or color in the field’s settings, Baserow automatically updates it across all rows that use that option, ensuring your data remains consistent.

Add a Multiple select field

To create a Multiple select field, add a new field in your table. From the dropdown menu, select the Multiple select type.

When you edit a cell in this field, an autocomplete menu will appear. You can type to filter the list or select the options you want from the dropdown. Each selected option appears as a small, colored token. You can remove an option by clicking the x on its token.

Customize multiple select options

You can manage all options from the field configuration menu. Click the dropdown arrow next to the field’s name and select Edit field.

A major benefit of this field is that changes are applied everywhere. For example, if you have an option ‘yellow’ and decide to rename it to ‘green’, you only need to change it once in the settings. All rows that had the ‘yellow’ tag will automatically update to ‘green’, saving you significant time.

Add a multiple select option

You can add new options in two ways:

  1. From the field menu:

    • In the “Edit field” dialog, click the + Add an option button.
    • Type the name for your new option and press Enter.

    Adding a new option in the field configuration menu

  2. On-the-fly:

    • Click on a cell in the multiple select column.
    • Type the name of the new option you want to create.
    • Click the + Create new option button that appears in the dropdown. The new option will be created and added to the cell immediately.

    Creating a new multiple select option directly from the cell

Set default options

You can set default options that will be automatically applied to new rows.

  1. Click the dropdown arrow next to the field name and select Edit field.
  2. In the configuration dialog, locate the Default options section.
  3. Select one or more options you want to use as the default.
  4. Click Save.

Any new row created in the table will now have this value pre-selected.

Reorder the multiple select options

To change the order of options in the dropdown, go to the Edit field menu. Click and drag the reorder icon (six dots) to the left of an option’s name to move it up or down the list.

Reordering options in the Multiple select field menu

Delete a multiple select option

In the Edit field menu, click the x icon to the right of any option to delete it.

Note: When you delete an option, it will be permanently removed from all cells that used it. This action cannot be undone.

Modify multiple select colors

You can choose from different colors to help visually distinguish your options. In the Edit field menu, click the colored square next to an option’s name and select a new color from the palette.

Changing the color of a multiple select option

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a Multiple select and a Single select field?

A Single select field allows you to choose only one option per cell from a list. A Multiple select field allows you to choose more than one option for the same cell.

When should I use a Multiple select field?

Use a Multiple select field anytime you need to categorize or tag a record with multiple attributes. Common examples include tagging blog posts (e.g., ‘SEO’, ‘Content Marketing’), assigning multiple features to a product (‘Dark Mode’, ‘SSO’), or tracking skills for an employee (‘Python’, ‘SQL’, ‘Project Management’).

A Multiple select field stores a static list of text options. A Link-to-table field connects records to an entirely different table. If your options are simple tags (like ‘High Priority’), use a multiple select. If your “options” are actually other database records (like ‘Customers’ or ‘Projects’), use a link to table field.

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