topic Re: Default value for multiple choice fields not working. in ArcGIS Field Maps Questions

Default value for multiple choice fields not working.

RickSteekelenburg — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 16:49:19 GMT

The new multiple choice field doesn't register a default value even when it was set when adding the field directly to the feature layer instead of the template.

It shows in the form but it doesn't do anything.

Re: Default value for multiple choice fields not working.

MErikReedAugusta — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:22:31 GMT

By chance, do you have subtypes enabled on that feature class? I haven't worked with the multiple choice fields, yet, but this problem catches me napping every once in a while when I'm doing schema updates on a feature class with subtypes. I'll set the default value on the Fields view, without remembering that the Subtypes view has a completely separate default value, which is the one that actually matters.

Re: Default value for multiple choice fields not working.

Megan-Hendrick — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:48:35 GMT

Hi Rick,

One thing I would check is that the default value you are using matches the code of your multiple choice element. For example: If I wanted a default value of Steel Toes Boots and Safety Vest to be reflected in this multiple choice element (see screenshot below), I would set the default value to "boots,vest". Note that you need the comma delimiter (without a space), to match the case sensitivity, and to match the code not the label.

Let me know if you are still having issues!

Re: Default value for multiple choice fields not working.

RickSteekelenburg — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:47:53 GMT

Nevermind, it's been a long day.
I was editing an existing feature instead of adding a new one and wondering why it didn't show.

Thank you for your time.