SharePoint Document Issues

How to Display Multiple SharePoint Lookup Values as a Readable List

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to format a SharePoint lookup column that allows multiple selections so that the values appear as a clear, readable list rather than a continuous semicolon-separated string.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Viewing or formatting a SharePoint list that utilizes a multiple-selection lookup column.
Observed behavior: Selected lookup values are displayed in a difficult-to-read semicolon-separated format, usually caused by conflicting column settings or conditional formatting rules.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary site permissions (such as Site Owner or Member with Edit/Design rights) to modify list settings and column formatting on your SharePoint site.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Conditional Formatting to Restore Standard Display

The quickest way to resolve the semicolon issue is to turn off custom or conditional formatting and revert the lookup column to its default SharePoint list display.

Often, pre-configured conditional formatting rules fail to correctly parse arrays (multiple selections), defaulting to a raw string output separated by semicolons. Disabling these rules is the first troubleshooting step.

Navigate to list settings

Open your SharePoint list and locate the affected multiple-selection lookup column.

Access column formatting

Click the column header, select 'Column settings' from the dropdown menu, and choose 'Format this column'.

Disable formatting rules

In the formatting pane on the right side of the screen, locate and toggle off or delete any active conditional formatting rules.

Save and verify

Save your changes and refresh the page to check if the multiple lookup values now appear as a standard, readable list.

Instant Fix: If the problem was caused by a conflicting visual rule, disabling it will instantly return the column to its default, easier-to-read layout.

Solution 2

Apply Custom JSON Column Formatting

If your list requires specific custom styling alongside multiple value selections, you must use advanced JSON column formatting to handle the array properly.

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While SharePoint is excellent for hosting and managing online lists, you may frequently need to export list data (such as complex lookup columns) to spreadsheets for offline reporting and deep data analysis. WPS Office is a lightweight, highly compatible, and free alternative to Microsoft Office that handles exported .xlsx and .csv files flawlessly, ensuring your data remains formatted and easy to read.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do multiple selections in a SharePoint lookup column appear separated by semicolons?

This usually happens when custom column formatting or default conditional formatting rules are applied without proper JSON handling for array data. Because the rule doesn't know how to split the items, SharePoint defaults to displaying them as a raw semicolon-separated text string.

Can I export my SharePoint lookup list to Excel for better viewing?

Yes, you can click 'Export' and select 'Export to Excel' directly in the SharePoint list command bar. The exported file can then be opened, filtered, and analyzed in compatible spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or WPS Office.

Do I need coding knowledge to fix the lookup column display?

If you only want to restore the default readable list, no coding is required; you simply need to disable conditional formatting via the standard settings menu. However, creating a highly customized list layout requires a basic understanding of JSON formatting.

What is Advanced mode in SharePoint column formatting?

Advanced mode is a configuration option in the column formatting pane that allows administrators and power users to write or paste custom JSON code to precisely control how list data, icons, and HTML elements are rendered on the page.

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