Working with Reference Group controls in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365FO) can be tricky, especially when migrating from older AX 2012 practices. If you're struggling to get a proper lookup for foreign key fields using Reference Groups, you're not alone. This blog documents the issue and provides a clear step-by-step solution.
🔍 Issue:
You’re trying to use a Reference Group to create a lookup for a foreign key (e.g., BillingPostalAddress) in D365FO, but the expected behavior isn't working—even though you followed AX 2012 guidelines.
✅ Solution: Setting Up Reference Groups Properly in D365FO
Here’s how to do it correctly in D365FO:
1️⃣ Create a Foreign Key Relation on the Child Table
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Go to your child table
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Create a new relation to the parent table (e.g.,
LogisticsPostalAddress).
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Select the proper related field (typically a
RecIdfrom the parent table).
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Once you select the Index, D365FO will:
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Create a new RecId field.
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Generate a new index for the RecId.
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Establish a relationship to the referenced table.
⚠️ Note: If you prefer to use your own field (e.g., BillingPostalAddress), delete the auto-generated fields, index, and relation. Then manually create them using your specific field.
2️⃣ Add Field to Form and Use Reference Group
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Open the form where the lookup is needed.
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Drag and drop the field (e.g.,
BillingPostalAddress) into the appropriate Field Group. -
The control will automatically become a Reference Group.
3️⃣ Update Reference Group Properties
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Select the new Reference Group control.
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Set the Replacement Field Group property to show the desired fields from the parent table.
🎉 Done! Your Reference Group control will now correctly display a lookup using values from the related table.
💡 Pro Tips
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Always confirm that your relation uses a valid RecId and index combo.
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Ensure your parent table has a properly defined Field Group for lookup replacement.
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Rebuild and synchronize your project after creating the relation and dragging the field.
🧾 Summary Table
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Foreign Key | Create a relation using the RecId of the parent table |
| 2. Field Control | Add the field to the form and use it as a Reference Group |
| 3. Replacement Group | Set the field group to display in the lookup |
💬 Got Questions?
Feel free to drop a comment or reach out to me at masteringdynamics365fo@gmail.com.
Stay tuned for more technical insights on D365FO development!
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