Use different fonts and colors

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 146 views

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Introduction

In this article, we will explore how to create column formatting with custom hyperlinks for a multi-value lookup column with an additional field in SharePoint Online. This is particularly useful when you have a one-to-many relationship between two lists, such as item details and shipping details.

Problem Statement

Let's assume we have two SharePoint lists:

List 1: This list contains item details, such as item name, description, and other relevant information.
List 2: This list contains shipping details, such as shipping address, shipping date, and other relevant information.

As one item can be shipped to different locations, List 1 has a one-to-many relationship with List 2. This means that each item in List 1 can have multiple shipping details in List 2.

Requirements

To achieve our goal, we need to create a column formatting that displays custom hyperlinks for each shipping location in List 2. The hyperlink should link to the corresponding shipping detail in List 2.

Requirements for List 1

Item Name: The name of the item.
Shipping Locations: A multi-value lookup column that links to the shipping details in List 2.
Additional Field: An additional field that we want to display along with the shipping locations.

Requirements for List 2

Shipping Address: The shipping address.
Shipping Date: The shipping date.
Item Name: The name of the item.

Solution

To create the column formatting, we will use the JSON formatting feature in SharePoint Online. This feature allows us to create custom formatting for columns using JSON code.

Step 1: Create a JSON File

First, we need to create a JSON file that defines the column formatting. We will use the following JSON code as an example:

{
  "$schema": "https://developer.microsoft.com/json-schemas/sp/column-formatting-schema-1.0.json",
  "elmType": "div",
  "style": {
    "display": "flex",
    "flex-direction": "column"
  },
  "children": [
    {
      "elmType": "a",
      "style": {
        "text-decoration": "none",
        "color": "blue"
      },
      "attributes": {
        "href": "=concat('/lists/ShippingDetails/DispForm.aspx?ID=', [$ShippingLocation].ID)"
      },
      "txtContent": "[$ShippingLocation]"
    },
    {
      "elmType": "span",
      "style": {
        "font-size": "12px"
      },
      "txtContent": "[$AdditionalField]"
    }
  ]
}

This JSON code defines a column formatting that displays a hyperlink for each shipping location. The hyperlink links to the corresponding shipping detail in List 2. The additional field is displayed below the hyperlink.

Step 2: Apply the JSON Formatting

To apply the JSON formatting, we need to go to the List 1 settings and click on the "Column" settings. Then, we need to click on the "Format" button next to the "Shipping Locations" column.

In the "Column Formatting" dialog box, we need to select the "JSON" option and paste the JSON code into the "JSON" field.

Step 3: Test the Column Formatting

After applying the JSON formatting, we need to test the column formatting to ensure that it works as expected. We can do this by creating a new item in List 1 and adding multiple shipping locations.

Conclusion

In this article, we learned how to create column formatting with custom hyperlinks for a multi-value lookup column with an additional field in SharePoint Online. We used the JSON formatting feature to define the column formatting and applied it to the "Shipping Locations" column in List 1.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create custom column formatting for your SharePoint lists and improve the user experience for your end-users.

Additional Tips and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations that you can use to customize the column formatting:

Use different fonts and colors: You can use different fonts and colors to make the column formatting more visually appealing.
Add images: You can add images to the column formatting to make it more engaging.
Use conditional formatting: You can use conditional formatting to highlight specific values in the column.
Use multiple columns: You can use multiple columns to display different information.

Common Issues and Solutions

Here are some common issues and solutions that you may encounter when creating column formatting:

Error message: If you encounter an error message when applying the JSON formatting, check the JSON code for any syntax errors.
Column not formatting: If the column is not formatting as expected, check the JSON code to ensure that it is correct.
Hyperlink not working: If the hyperlink is not working, check the URL in the JSON code to ensure that it is correct.

Best Practices

Here are some best practices that you can follow when creating column formatting:

Use clear and concise language: Use clear and concise language in the JSON code to ensure that it is easy to read and understand.
Use consistent formatting: Use consistent formatting throughout the column formatting to make it easy to read and understand.
Test thoroughly: Test the column formatting thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating column formatting with custom hyperlinks for a multi-value lookup column with an additional field in SharePoint Online is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create custom column formatting for your SharePoint lists and improve the user experience for your end-users.

Remember to test the column formatting thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected, and to use clear and concise language in the JSON code to make it easy to read and understand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is column formatting in SharePoint Online?

A: Column formatting in SharePoint Online is a feature that allows you to customize the display of a column in a list or library. You can use JSON code to define the formatting and display different information in the column.

Q: How do I create a column formatting with custom hyperlinks for a multi-value lookup column with an additional field?

A: To create a column formatting with custom hyperlinks for a multi-value lookup column with an additional field, you need to use the JSON formatting feature in SharePoint Online. You can use the following JSON code as an example:

{
  "$schema": "https://developer.microsoft.com/json-schemas/sp/column-formatting-schema-1.0.json",
  "elmType": "div",
  "style": {
    "display": "flex",
    "flex-direction": "column"
  },
  "children": [
    {
      "elmType": "a",
      "style": {
        "text-decoration": "none",
        "color": "blue"
      },
      "attributes": {
        "href": "=concat('/lists/ShippingDetails/DispForm.aspx?ID=', [$ShippingLocation].ID)"
      },
      "txtContent": "[$ShippingLocation]"
    },
    {
      "elmType": "span",
      "style": {
        "font-size": "12px"
      },
      "txtContent": "[$AdditionalField]"
    }
  ]
}

Q: How do I apply the JSON formatting to a column?

A: To apply the JSON formatting to a column, you need to go to the list settings and click on the "Column" settings. Then, you need to click on the "Format" button next to the column you want to format. In the "Column Formatting" dialog box, you need to select the "JSON" option and paste the JSON code into the "JSON" field.

Q: Can I use conditional formatting in column formatting?

A: Yes, you can use conditional formatting in column formatting. You can use the if function in the JSON code to display different information based on a condition.

Q: Can I use multiple columns in column formatting?

A: Yes, you can use multiple columns in column formatting. You can use the children property in the JSON code to define multiple columns.

Q: How do I troubleshoot column formatting issues?

A: To troubleshoot column formatting issues, you can check the JSON code for any syntax errors. You can also test the column formatting in a test environment before applying it to a production list.

Q: Can I use column formatting with other SharePoint features?

A: Yes, you can use column formatting with other SharePoint features, such as Power Apps and Power Automate. You can use the JSON formatting feature to customize the display of a column in a Power Apps app or a Power Automate flow.

Common Issues and Solutions

Q: Error message when applying JSON formatting

A: If you encounter an error message when applying JSON formatting, check the JSON code for any syntax errors.

Q: Column not formatting as expected

A: If the column is not formatting as expected, check the JSON code to ensure that it is correct.

Q: Hyperlink not working

A: If the hyperlink is not working, check the URL in the JSON code to ensure that it is correct.

Best Practices

Q: Use clear and concise language in JSON code

A: Use clear and concise language in the JSON code to ensure that it is easy to read and understand.

Q: Use consistent formatting throughout the column formatting

A: Use consistent formatting throughout the column formatting to make it easy to read and understand.

Q: Test thoroughly before applying column formatting

A: Test the column formatting thoroughly before applying it to a production list to ensure that it works as expected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating column formatting with custom hyperlinks for a multi-value lookup column with an additional field in SharePoint Online is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined in this article and using the Q&A section to troubleshoot common issues, you can create custom column formatting for your SharePoint lists and improve the user experience for your end-users.