This article explains how the Related Library field works in the Sintel Apps Designer and how to configure it on your form.

The Related Library field allows you to display documents from a SharePoint document library that are linked to the current form item. It creates a parent-child relationship between a list item and its associated documents.

This is commonly used when a form needs structured document management beyond standard attachments.

What Is a Related Library?

A Related Library displays documents stored in a separate SharePoint document library that are connected to the current form record.

It is commonly used for:

• Project documentation
• Contract files
• Compliance evidence
• Supporting records
• Version-controlled documents

The main form acts as the parent, and the documents in the library act as related child records.

How to Add a Related Library to Your Form

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Layout tab in the Designer.
2. Drag and drop the Related Library field onto your form.
3. Click on the Related Library field on the canvas.
4. Click Edit Fields in the Properties panel.
5. Drag and drop the required columns from the left Fields panel into the Related Library panel.

These selected fields will appear as columns within the document display.

Configuring the Related Library

Once added, you can configure:

• The columns displayed (e.g. Name, Type, Created By, Picture, etc.)

• Column widths

• Field order

• Visibility of document metadata

Only the fields you drag into the Related Library panel will be shown in the form.

How It Works

The Related Library:

• Displays documents linked to the current form item

• Automatically filters documents based on the parent record

• Shows only documents associated with that specific item

Users can view and manage related documents directly from the form.

How files are stored

When files are added into the related library from within a form, they are stored in a very specific folder strucure as follows:

• ->Folder 01 (this is a GUID representing the lookup field)
• ->->Folder 02 (this is a GUID representing the main form list guid)
• ->->->Folder 03 (this is the list item ID)
• ->->->->File

Related Library vs Attachments

It is important to understand the difference:

Related Library

• Uses a separate SharePoint document library

• Supports structured document management

• Allows additional metadata columns

• Suitable for complex document control

Attachments Widget

• Stores files directly on the list item

• Simpler configuration

• Best for basic file uploads

Use Related Library when you need more advanced document management or metadata.

When to Use a Related Library

Use Related Library when:

• Documents require version control

• Additional metadata is needed

• Multiple structured documents are expected

• Files must be managed separately from the main list

Do not use it for simple one-off uploads — Attachments may be sufficient.

Best Practices

• Only display necessary columns to keep the layout clean.
• Plan your document library structure before building the form.
• Ensure the parent relationship is correctly configured.
• Test document permissions thoroughly.
• Keep document libraries organised and governed.

➡️ Next article: Attachments Widget – Configuration and Best Practices