How to Filter a SharePoint Lookup Column Based on Another Lookup
Question details
The user needs to create a dependent lookup column (filtering a lookup based on another lookup's value) in SharePoint Online while keeping enhanced rich-text features intact.
- Product
- SharePoint Online
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing a SharePoint list form to include cascading dropdowns (dependent lookups) without breaking the ability to add inline images and files to multiline text columns.
- Observed behavior
- SharePoint Online does not support dependent lookup filtering out of the box, and replacing the default form with customizations like Power Apps can negatively affect enhanced rich-text functionality.
Verify your SharePoint site permissions to ensure you have sufficient rights to customize list forms and access to Microsoft Power Apps or SharePoint Framework (SPFx).
Customize the SharePoint Form Using Power Apps
Since SharePoint Online lacks native dependent lookups, customizing the list form with Power Apps is the recommended approach to build cascading dropdowns.
Power Apps allows you to fully replace the default SharePoint form interface. You can set the Items property of your dependent lookup column to filter dynamically based on the value selected in the parent lookup column.
Be aware that replacing the native form might alter how multiline columns handle enhanced rich-text, particularly inline images.
Navigate to the SharePoint list containing the lookup columns you want to connect.
Click on 'Integrate' in the top command bar, hover over 'Power Apps', and select 'Customize forms' to open Power Apps Studio.
Select the dropdown control for your dependent lookup column. Change its 'Items' property formula to filter its data source based on the selected result of the parent dropdown control.
Save your changes in Power Apps and click 'Publish to SharePoint' to apply the customized form to your list.
Implement SPFx Field Customizer or Power Automate
Use SharePoint Framework (SPFx) or Power Automate if retaining the exact native rich-text experience is critical and Power Apps falls short.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I filter a lookup column based on another natively in SharePoint Online?
No, SharePoint Online does not provide out-of-the-box dependent (cascading) lookup filtering. This differs from some older on-premises solutions or InfoPath forms, requiring you to use Power Apps or SPFx for this functionality.
Why did my enhanced rich-text formatting break after form customization?
When you customize a SharePoint form using Power Apps, the native SharePoint controls are replaced by Power Apps data cards. The Power Apps rich-text control processes images and file attachments differently, which can cause previously working inline attachments to malfunction or display incorrectly.
Where can I find help for building dependent dropdowns in Power Apps?
You can find templates, detailed formulas, and expert guidance by visiting the Microsoft Power Apps Community forums or reviewing official Microsoft Learn documentation on cascading dropdowns.
