# Single Select Field in Baserow: Setup and Options Guide

> Baserow's single select field limits a cell to one color-coded option - learn to add, reorder, recolor, and set a default value without breaking existing rows.

Source: https://opennix.org/en/docs/baserow/field-types/single-select-field/


A single select field restricts a cell to exactly one value from a predefined, color-coded list of options, which keeps statuses, priorities, and similar categories free of typos and inconsistent spelling. This article covers adding the field, entering values through its dropdown, managing options (adding, renaming, reordering, recoloring, deleting), and setting a default value for new rows.

## Overview

A single select field solves a common problem: a row needs to fall into exactly one category from a closed list, rather than accept free-form text. Where a text field lets one person type "in progress", another "In Progress", and a third "working on it", a single select field offers one shared set of options with type-to-filter autocomplete and color coding for quick visual scanning.

Typical uses include a task status (Draft/In progress/Done), a priority level (Low/Medium/High), or a deal stage. Each option can carry its own color, so statuses stay readable at a glance even in a long table.

## Adding a single select field

A single select field goes through the same dialog as [creating any other field](/docs/baserow/fields/adding-a-field/):

1. Click the add-field icon at the end of the table's header row.
2. Choose "Single select" from the list of field types.
3. Name the field - for example, "Status" or "Priority".
4. Type your first option into the "Add an option" box, then repeat for the rest.
5. Click "Create" to finish.

You can add more options later - the list does not need to be complete at creation time.

![Adding a new single select field in Baserow](/images/baserow/field-types/single-select-field-adding-new-field.jpg)

## Entering values

A single select cell can be filled in two ways.

**Pick an existing option.** Click the cell, open the dropdown, and choose the value you need. The list supports type-to-filter: start typing and only matching options remain visible.

**Create an option on the fly.** If the value you need is not on the list yet, type it and click "+ Create new option". It is added to the field's option list immediately and becomes available for other rows too.

![Selecting an option in a Baserow single select field](/images/baserow/field-types/single-select-field-selecting-option.png)

## Customizing options

The option list is managed through the field menu: click the arrow next to the field name in the column header and choose "Edit field".

### Adding an option

Type the value into the "+ Add an option" box and press Enter to confirm it.

### Renaming an option

Click the option's name, type the new value, and click "Save" (or click outside the box). Renaming updates the value everywhere it is already selected, so nothing needs fixing row by row.

### Reordering options

Hover over an option, hold the drag handle to the left of its name, and drag it to the position you want. Option order sets the sequence shown in the dropdown and when [sorting the field](/docs/baserow/fields/field-customization/).

![Reordering options in a Baserow single select field](/images/baserow/field-types/single-select-field-reordering-options.png)

### Changing an option's color

Click the colored circle to the left of an option's name and pick one of the preset colors. Distinct colors for statuses like "Overdue" and "Done" make a table readable without opening every cell.

![Changing an option's color in a Baserow single select field](/images/baserow/field-types/single-select-field-changing-color.png)

### Deleting an option

Click the X icon to the right of an option's name to remove it from the list. Deletion is permanent: every cell that had the deleted option selected becomes empty. Before deleting, confirm no row needs to keep that value, or switch those rows to another option first.

## Setting a default value

To have new rows pick up a value automatically, configure a default option:

1. Open the field menu and choose "Edit field".
2. Find the "Default option" section.
3. Select the option you want.
4. Click "Save".

This is handy for a field like "Status", where almost every new record should start the same way (say, "Draft" or "New request"), sparing you from setting it by hand on every row you add.

## Frequently asked questions

**How is single select different from multiple select?** A single select field allows exactly one option per cell. A [multiple select field](/docs/baserow/field-types/multiple-select-field/) lets you check several at once - useful for tags or a skills list, where the items do not exclude one another.

**When should I use single select instead of a link to table?** Single select fits simple, static categories such as status or priority, where an option is just a label. A [link-to-table field](/docs/baserow/field-types/link-to-table-field/) makes more sense when each option carries its own attributes worth storing separately - a countries reference with population, flag, and capital belongs in its own linked table rather than a plain list of names.

**What happens if I delete an option that is in use?** The option is removed from the list permanently, and every cell where it was selected becomes empty. Baserow does not reassign that data to any remaining option automatically.

**Can I filter and group rows by a single select field?** Yes. The field supports operators such as "Is", "Any of", and "Is empty" in [filters](/docs/baserow/views/filters-in-baserow/), plus [grouping by value](/docs/baserow/views/group-rows-in-baserow/), where each row lands in exactly one group.

**How does a single select field behave during import?** If an [imported file](/docs/baserow/tables/create-a-table-via-import/) contains text values that are not yet among the field's options, Baserow creates matching options for them automatically. When [pasting copied data](/docs/baserow/rows/paste-data-into-baserow-table/) into an existing field, a value only lands if it matches one of the options exactly - case and spacing matter.

## What's next

Learn about the [multiple select field](/docs/baserow/field-types/multiple-select-field/) for rows that need more than one label at once, or read [field configuration](/docs/baserow/fields/field-customization/) to apply sorting, filtering, and grouping to the options you have already created.