SharePoint 2010: Create Site Column based on External Data

calendar Aug 5, 2011  · Updated: November 3, 2025 · 1 min read  ·
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While the process to create a site column based on external data is pretty straightforward, I wanted to document it here for myself; I keep forgetting that this can't be done using SharePoint Designer. Here's how to do it using your browser:

Create your External Content Type and associated lists -> Site Actions -> Site Settings -> Site Columns -> Create -> Name your column and choose type "External Data" -> Pick your External Content Type -> Choose the display field (and set column associations as needed) -> OK -> Party!