In SharePoint, if the users would like to add the same column to different site lists and libraries, then they can create the global column. For example, the “Country” column used for many subsites lists. So, they can create the global column for Status, and they can use different lists and libraries by using Add from existing site column features. Please be note if you would like to create the global column then you need to create Top-Level site only.
Create Global Column:
- Go to Top level SharePoint site and move to site settings
- Under Web Designer Galleries section click on the Site columns link
- In the Site Columns page lot of predefined columns displayed (All of these columns used for the pre-defined list and libraries)
- Here you can create the new column by click on the Create link
- In the Create Column page enter the Column name (ex: we need to create the choice column)
- Then select the choice (menu to choose from)
- In the additional column settings section enter the dropdown value one by one
- By default, Display choice selected Drop-Down Menu, if you need to change type then you can choose Radio button or Checkbox
- After entering the value click OK to create the new column
Now you can check the Custom Columns section, your newly created column available in this section.
Add Global Column to List:
- Open the Site list or library what you would like to add the global column
- Then go to list or library settings
- Under the Column section click on the “Add from existing site columns”
- It will open the Add Columns from Site Columns page
- Here all custom column will be displayed which is created from the Top-Level site
- Then you have to select the Custom columns what you would like to add
Now the custom column will be added to your list and libraries. You can also add this custom column to any site list and libraries. Also, if you would like to add the column value then you can go to the Top-level site and add the value in the custom column. This will be reflecting all lists and libraries wherever you already added.
Columns Ordering
If the user would like to change the column display order, then they can go to Settings -> List Settings. Under the columns, section click on the ordering of the columns
In the Change, Column Ordering page changes the position that you would like to change.