> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ninox.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ninox.com/builder-hub/design-your-app/add-and-edit-data-fields-in-your-tables/all-data-fields/link-one-record-reference.md).
# Link one record (Reference)
Use a **Link one record** field when a record should reference one record from another table.
When you add a **Link one record** field, Ninox opens a dialog and asks which table you want to link. You can also link the same table to itself.
After you choose the table, Ninox creates the relationship field for records from that table. At the same time, Ninox creates the reverse connection in the other table and adds a **Link many records** field there.
For the general settings all data fields have in common, see [Shared field settings](/builder-hub/design-your-app/add-and-edit-data-fields-in-your-tables/all-data-fields/shared-field-settings.md).
Field-specific settings for **Link one record** are:
:airplay: **Display**
* **Display as**: controls how users select the linked record
* **Popup**: opens a table where users can search for a record to link to or create a new one
* **Combobox**: shows a searchable drop-down list
* **Switch**: shows the available records as horizontally arranged options
* **Radio buttons**: shows the available records as a radio-button list
* **Hidden columns**: controls which columns appear in the selection view and how the linked record is displayed
* **Filter**: limits which records users can select
**Behavior**
* **Composition**: creates a parent-child relationship If it is enabled, deleting the parent record also deletes its child records. Use this option with caution.
The following settings apply only when **Display as** is set to **Popup**:
* **Show add record button**: shows a button in the **Popup** view to create and link a new record
* **Quick add at the bottom**: shows an empty row at the bottom of the **Popup** view for quick record creation
If the field is displayed as **Popup**, users can click **Select a record**. Ninox then opens a table where they can search for a record or create a new one to link.
There, users can:
* select one record from the list and click **Confirm** to link it
* click **+ Add record** to create a new record, if that option is enabled in **Behavior**
After confirmation, the selected record appears in the field.
Click the selected record in the field to open the linked record in a separate form view.
{% hint style="info" %}
Use **Link one record** when the relationship should point to one record in another table. If one record should connect to several records, use **Link many records** instead.
{% endhint %}
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.ninox.com/builder-hub/design-your-app/add-and-edit-data-fields-in-your-tables/all-data-fields/link-one-record-reference.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.