Color linked records to look like a single select

This is a great suggestion.

For now, you can include a colorful emoji in the primary field of the linked record. If your primary field is a formula field, you can even have the formula control which emoji to use depending on the state of the record. Then in your linked record fields you will be able to see things at a glance based on the emoji.

For a workaround, I wrote an automation that tracks linked records and maps them into a coloured single select field on the table where you’re needing the colour. It works well, and you can limit permissions on the extra colour select so users don’t accidentally change/desync it.

But would I love to see this feature? Heck yeah! I’ve been wanting it for years.

I was wondering this myself! It seems like it was requested 5 years ago, and is long overdue.

Can you share how you did this? I’d love the feature too.

I’m so SO glad someone mentioned this. I love the color so much on our multiple select field. We now desperately need it to be a linked record field but can’t.quite.let.the.color.go.

I wrote a script that when I change the Linked Field, it changes the select to match it - so that I have color

I’d love to see Airtable allow colours that can then flow into the new Interfaces - and also to have colours better used with the KanBan/Gallery view too.

But the point still stands - Linked Records could really use a colour key/value added to their field class. Perhaps it’s far too hard for Airtable to implement due to legacy reasons? And if that is the case, then I often think of what’s preventing Airtable from either adding a new type of column to support such new features, or even, perhaps allowing Base versioning, where a base can be migrated from the old to the new - which would allow the new features to then become available…

Alas, at least we have the Automation workaround…

Totally Agree ! On many database I build a Tag table to improve le Select feature but it really lack of Color magnagement.

I also use the Color features for rows BUT there is no way to say take the color of this tardet field ... it's only a static color ...

This feature would be great... looking forward to it being implemented.

I have been searching all day on how to find out how and now see for years people have been wanting this feature. Lets go Airtable!! 

@Scott_Gould May you share or explain the script you wrote and where you wrote it? in a column next to the linked record?

Cheers to this happening!

I just rebuilt a DB to use more linked fields in place of single/multi-select and was disappointed to see everything turn to grey. The coloring is such a great option for visually seeing information quickly. Please provide a solution

This is something that is a must if you grow your base, 
you start with single selects, and then turn them into linked fields, and it becomes a lot worse visually.
AT please add this.

So i figured out a way to do it with the emojis like everyone mentioned with a formula.  see below: 

Thank you for the proposal.
If you have a limited number of linked records, hardcoding a formula might make sense.
In my case, linked records are being added and removed quite often.
Imagine you start a Project management base, where there are 3 initial users, you can select assigned with a dropdown.
In some time headcount growth, and you add an HR base, you would like to link it to that base, but our clear visual identifier for Project assigned person disappears. You will not add colors for new employees each time. 

+1 This would be very helpful 

+1 Please do something !

+1 this would be a very needed feature

+1 This would be wonderful

+1 to this. I think it would help users agree to better data hygiene: They rely on colors to distinguish information at a glance which means duplicating data that could be in linked records. 

Ex: A team is working on a project. In a single select drop down, each team member can have their own color. This means that the "team member" field is recreated every time they're working on anything, as opposed to having a table for "team members" and linking the assigned person. The latter allows them to see what is assigned to them across multiple projects, while the is project-specific.