SharePoint Document Issues

How to Change the First SharePoint List Column to a Choice Field

Camila Milosovich Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to change the default first column (usually the Title column) in a SharePoint list to a Choice field with predefined options.

How to Change the First SharePoint List Column to a Choice Field

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Managing and customizing SharePoint lists for data tracking or document management.
Observed behavior: The default Title column cannot be converted into a Choice column using the standard SharePoint column settings interface.

Before you start

Verify whether the column you want to change is the default system 'Title' column or a custom text column, as default system columns have strict data type restrictions in SharePoint.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a New Choice Column and Hide the Default Title Column

Since the default Title column's data type cannot be changed, the most effective workaround is to hide it from your view and create a brand new Choice column in its place.

SharePoint uses the default Title column as a core system identifier to manage item menus and maintain list integrity. Because of this, it is not possible to change its underlying data type directly to a Choice field.

Add a new Choice column

Go to your SharePoint list, click on 'Add column' at the end of the list headers, and select 'Choice' as the column type.

Configure the Choice column settings

Give your new column an appropriate name, enter your required choice options in the provided fields, and click 'Save'.

Hide the default Title column

Click the column header for the default 'Title' column, select 'Column settings' from the dropdown menu, and click 'Hide this column'.

Alternative approach: If you still need the Title column for basic reference but want to avoid confusion, you can rename it instead of hiding it by going to its Column settings and selecting 'Rename'.

Solution 2

Convert a Custom Text Column to a Choice Column

If you are trying to change a custom text column (not the default Title column), SharePoint allows you to convert it directly.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Discover a Lighter Way to Manage Documents with WPS Office

While SharePoint is widely used for enterprise lists and document storage, managing complex settings can be time-consuming. For your everyday document creation and editing needs, WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative. Enjoy a seamless experience with familiar tools that let you manage Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without the complexity of heavy enterprise platforms.

1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
2. Install the application: Run the installation package and follow the on-screen prompts to set up WPS Office on your computer.
3. Open your documents: Launch WPS Office and easily open, edit, and save your existing Microsoft Office documents without formatting loss.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx).Completely free to use with a fast, lightweight installation package.Familiar user interface that requires zero learning curve.Built-in PDF editing and conversion tools for effortless document management.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the default Title column restricted in SharePoint lists?

The default Title column is a core system field used by SharePoint to link to the item's properties, trigger item context menus, and maintain database integrity. Modifying its underlying data type could break these essential list functions.

Can I completely delete the default Title column from my list?

No, you cannot permanently delete the default Title column from a standard SharePoint list. However, you can hide it from your views, rename it, or make it optional by disabling the requirement for it to contain data.

How do I make the default Title column optional instead of required?

Go to the gear icon > 'List settings', click on the 'Title' column, and under the 'Require that this column contains information' setting, select 'No'. Click 'OK' to save.

Will hiding the Title column affect my existing SharePoint list data?

Hiding the column only removes it from your current display view. The underlying data remains completely intact, and the column can still be unhidden or referenced in workflows as needed.

Document & File Issues