Introducing the New React MultiColumn ComboBox
Tags: react, development, web, ui
Published: 2024-07-11 17:00:01

---
title: Introducing the New React MultiColumn ComboBox
published: true
date: 2024-07-09 12:00:53 UTC
tags: react, development, web, ui
canonical_url: https://www.syncfusion.com/blogs/post/new-react-multicolumn-combobox
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/xz1gmeedncqu6z3d7zzh.png
---
**TL;DR:** The Syncfusion React MultiColumn ComboBox introduces advanced multi-column dropdown functionality, complete with customizable layouts, sorting, virtualization, and additional features. Let’s delve into its exceptional capabilities and the steps to get started.

We’re delighted to introduce the new Syncfusion [React MultiColumn ComboBox](https://www.syncfusion.com/react-components/react-multicolumn-combobox "React MultiColumn ComboBox component") component in the [Essential Studio 2024 Volume 2](https://www.syncfusion.com/forums/188642/essential-studio-2024-volume-2-main-release-v26-1-35-is-available-for-download "Essential Studio 2024 Volume 2") release.

The [React MultiColumn ComboBox](https://ej2.syncfusion.com/react/documentation/multicolumn-combobox/getting-started "Getting started with React MultiColumn ComboBox component") is a dropdown component that displays items in a detailed table-like format with multiple columns, offering more information than standard dropdown lists. It uses the Syncfusion [Data Grid](https://www.syncfusion.com/react-components/react-data-grid "React Data Grid component") component, which allows for displaying and managing complex data structures in an organized and efficient manner. This makes it ideal for apps that require handling extensive datasets with ease.

Let’s explore this new component in detail!

## Key features 

The key features of the React MultiColumn ComboBox are as follows: 

- [Customized column layouts](#Customized)
- [Organizing data with grouping](#Organizing)
- [Filtering](#Filtering)
- [Sorting](#Sorting)
- [Data virtualization](#Data)
- [Customizable templates](#Customizable)

### <a name="Customized">Customized column layouts</a>

The React MultiColumn ComboBox allows us to customize the column layouts based on our specific needs. This feature enables data to be displayed across multiple columns, enhancing the user experience by presenting complex datasets in an organized manner and making it easier for users to navigate and select the required information.
<figure>

  <img src="https://www.syncfusion.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Customized-column-layouts-in-React-MultiColumn-ComboBox.png" alt="Customized column layouts in React MultiColumn ComboBox" style="width:100%">

  <figcaption>Customized column layouts in React MultiColumn ComboBox</figcaption>

</figure>

### <a name="Organizing">Organizing data with grouping</a>

By organizing the data into groups, we can categorize related items and make navigation easier and quicker. This is particularly useful when dealing with large datasets, as grouping related items can save time when scrolling through longer lists.
<figure>

  <img src="https://www.syncfusion.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Grouping-data-in-React-MultiColumn-ComboBox.png" alt="Grouping data in React MultiColumn ComboBox" style="width:100%">

  <figcaption>Grouping data in React MultiColumn ComboBox</figcaption>

</figure>

### <a name="Filtering">Filtering</a>

Filtering allows us to search for specific items within the MultiColumn ComboBox based on the text input. As users type into the input field, the component dynamically filters the data to display only those items that match the entered text. This helps users locate the desired information without scrolling through extensive lists.

Refer to the following image.
<figure>

  <img src="https://www.syncfusion.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Filtering-data-in-React-MultiColumn-ComboBox.gif" alt="Filtering data in React MultiColumn ComboBox" style="width:100%">

  <figcaption>Filtering data in React MultiColumn ComboBox</figcaption>

</figure>

### <a name="Sorting">Sorting</a>

Sorting arranges data in a specific order (ascending or descending) based on column values. In the React MultiColumn ComboBox, sorting allows users to organize data alphabetically, numerically, or by any other relevant criteria defined for the columns. Clicking the column header for the first time sorts the column in ascending order, clicking it again sorts it in descending order, and a third click clears the sorting. The available sort types are:

- Single column sorting
- Multiple column sorting
<figure>

  <img src="https://www.syncfusion.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sorting-data-in-React-MultiColumn-ComboBox-1.gif" alt="Sorting data in React MultiColumn ComboBox" style="width:100%">

  <figcaption>Sorting data in React MultiColumn ComboBox</figcaption>

</figure>

### <a name="Data">Data virtualization</a>

This feature dynamically loads and displays data as the user scrolls or interacts with the component rather than loading the entire dataset at once. This significantly reduces the initial load time, making the component more responsive. It improves performance by efficiently managing memory and processing power, especially with large datasets.
<figure>

  <img src="https://www.syncfusion.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Data-virtualization-feature-in-React-MultiColumn-ComboBox.gif" alt="Data virtualization feature in React MultiColumn ComboBox" style="width:100%">

  <figcaption>Data virtualization feature in React MultiColumn ComboBox</figcaption>

</figure>

### <a name="Customizable">Customizable templates</a>

Customizable templates enable you to define how data should be displayed within the MultiColumn ComboBox. You can create templates for individual items, headers, and footers to provide a more customized and informative user interface. This ensures that the information is shown in a way that best suits your app’s needs.

Refer to the following image.
<figure>

  <img src="https://www.syncfusion.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Custom-templates-in-React-MultiColumn-ComboBox.png" alt="Custom templates in React MultiColumn ComboBox" style="width:100%">

  <figcaption>Custom templates in React MultiColumn ComboBox</figcaption>

</figure>

## Supported platforms

We have introduced the new MultiColumn ComboBox component in the following platforms as part of the 2024 volume 2 release.   
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="199">
<p>Platform </p>
</td>
<td width="199">
<p>Demo </p>
</td>
<td width="201">
<p>Documentation </p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="JavaScript MultiColumn ComboBox component" href="https://www.syncfusion.com/javascript-ui-controls/js-multicolumn-combobox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JavaScript</a></p>
</td>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="JavaScript MultiColumn ComboBox demos" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/demos/#/material3/multicolumn-combobox/default.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">JavaScript MultiColumn ComboBox demos</a></p>
</td>
<td width="201">
<p><a title="Getting started with JavaScript MultiColumn ComboBox" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/documentation/multicolumn-combobox/getting-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Getting started with JavaScript MultiColumn ComboBox</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="Angular MultiColumn ComboBox component" href="https://www.syncfusion.com/angular-components/angular-multicolumn-combobox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Angular</a></p>
</td>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="Angular MultiColumn ComboBox demos" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/angular/demos/#/material3/multicolumn-combobox/default" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Angular MultiColumn ComboBox demos</a></p>
</td>
<td width="201">
<p><a title="Getting started with Angular MultiColumn ComboBox" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/angular/documentation/multicolumn-combobox/getting-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Getting started with Angular MultiColumn ComboBox</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="React MultiColumn ComboBox component" href="https://www.syncfusion.com/react-components/react-multicolumn-combobox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">React</a></p>
</td>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="React MultiColumn ComboBox demos" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/react/demos/#/material3/multicolumn-combobox/default" target="_blank" rel="noopener">React MultiColumn ComboBox demos</a> </p>
</td>
<td width="201">
<p><a title="Getting started with React MultiColumn ComboBox" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/react/documentation/multicolumn-combobox/getting-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Getting started with React MultiColumn ComboBox</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="Vue MultiColumn ComboBox component" href="https://www.syncfusion.com/vue-components/vue-multicolumn-combobox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vue</a></p>
</td>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="Vue MultiColumn ComboBox demos" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/vue/demos/#/material3/multicolumn-combobox/default.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vue MultiColumn ComboBox demos</a> </p>
</td>
<td width="201">
<p><a title="Getting started with Vue MultiColumn ComboBox" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/vue/documentation/multicolumn-combobox/getting-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Getting started with Vue MultiColumn ComboBox</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="ASP.NET Core MultiColumn ComboBox component" href="https://www.syncfusion.com/aspnet-core-ui-controls/multicolumn-combobox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASP.NET Core</a></p>
</td>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="ASP.NET Core MultiColumn ComboBox demos" href="https://ej2aspnetcore.azurewebsites.net/aspnetcore/multicolumncombobox/defaultfunctionalities#/material3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASP.NET Core MultiColumn ComboBox demos</a></p>
</td>
<td width="201">
<p><a title="Getting started with ASP.NET Core MultiColumn ComboBox" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/aspnetcore/documentation/multicolumn-combobox/getting-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Getting started with ASP.NET Core MultiColumn ComboBox</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="ASP.NET MVC MultiColumn ComboBox component" href="https://www.syncfusion.com/aspnet-mvc-ui-controls/multicolumn-combobox" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASP.NET MVC</a></p>
</td>
<td width="199">
<p><a title="ASP.NET MVC MultiColumn ComboBox demos" href="https://ej2aspnetmvc.azurewebsites.net/aspnetmvc/multicolumncombobox/defaultfunctionalities#/material3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ASP.NET MVC MultiColumn ComboBox demos</a></p>
</td>
<td width="201">
<p><a title="Getting started with ASP.NET MVC MultiColumn ComboBox" href="https://ej2.syncfusion.com/aspnetmvc/documentation/multicolumn-combobox/getting-started" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Getting started with ASP.NET MVC MultiColumn ComboBox</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

## Getting started with the React MultiColumn ComboBox

We’ve seen the marvelous features of the React MultiColumn ComboBox component. Let’s see how to integrate it into our application.

### Step #1: Create a new React app

First, create a new React app by installing the [create-react-app](https://www.npmjs.com/package/create-react-app "create-react-app NPM package") NPM package in the desired location using the following command.

```
npx create-react-app my-app
```

### Step #2: Add the Syncfusion packages

The [NPM](https://www.npmjs.com/~syncfusionorg "syncfusionorg NPM package") public registry contains all the Syncfusion Essential JS 2 packages currently available. Use the following command to install the React MultiColumn ComboBox component.

```
npm install @syncfusion/ej2-react-multicolumn-combobox --save
```

### Step #3: Add the CSS references for the Syncfusion React components

After installing the NPM package, the CSS files for the Syncfusion React components will be available in the **../node modules/@syncfusion package** folder. Import the React MultiColumn ComboBox component’s required CSS references as follows in the **src/App.css** file.

```js
@import "../node_modules/@syncfusion/ej2-base/styles/material3.css";
@import "../node_modules/@syncfusion/ej2-inputs/styles/material3.css";
@import "../node_modules/@syncfusion/ej2-popups/styles/material3.css";
@import "../node_modules/@syncfusion/ej2-grids/styles/material3.css";
@import "../node_modules/@syncfusion/ej2-react-multicolumn-combobox/styles/material3.css";
```

### Step #4: Adding React MultiColumn ComboBox to the app

Now, import the **MultiColumnComboBoxComponent** from **ej2- react-multicolumn-combobox** package in the **App.tsx** file. Define each column using the **ColumnDirective** tag inside the **ColumnsDirective** tag, as shown in the following example.

```js
import { MultiColumnComboBoxComponent, ColumnsDirective, ColumnDirective } from '@syncfusion/ej2- react-multicolumn-combobox'; 
import * as React from "react"; 
import * as ReactDOM from "react-dom"; 
 
function App() {
// Define the array of object data.
  const employeeData: Object[] = [ 
    { "EmpID": 1001, "Name": "Andrew Fuller", "Designation": "Team Lead", "Country": "England" },
    { "EmpID": 1002, "Name": "Robert", "Designation": "Developer", "Country": "USA" },
    { "EmpID": 1003, "Name": "John", "Designation": "Tester", "Country": "Germany" },
    { "EmpID": 1004, "Name": "Robert King", "Designation": "Product Manager", "Country": "India" },
    { "EmpID": 1005, "Name": "Steven Buchanan", "Designation": "Developer", "Country": "Italy" },
    { "EmpID": 1006, "Name": "Jane Smith", "Designation": "Developer", "Country": "Europe" },
    { "EmpID": 1007, "Name": "James Brown", "Designation": "Developer", "Country": "Australia" },
    { "EmpID": 1008, "Name": "Laura Callahan", "Designation": "Developer", "Country": "Africa" },
    { "EmpID": 1009, "Name": "Mario Pontes", "Designation": "Developer", "Country": "Russia" }
  ];
  // Maps the appropriate column to fields property.
  const fields: Object = { text: 'Name', value: 'EmpID' };
  return ( 
    <div id='timeline' style={{ height: "350px" }}> 
      <MultiColumnComboBoxComponent dataSource={this.employeeData} fields={this.fields}>
           <ColumnsDirective>
              <ColumnDirective field='EmpID' header='Employee ID' width={120}></ColumnDirective>
 	      <ColumnDirective field='Name' header='Name' width={120}></ColumnDirective>
	      <ColumnDirective field='Designation' header='Designation' width={120}></ColumnDirective>
 	      <ColumnDirective field='Country' header='Country' width={100}></ColumnDirective>
          </ColumnsDirective>
      </MultiColumnComboBoxComponent>
    </div> 
  ); 
} 
 
const root = ReactDOM.createRoot(document.getElementById("element")); 
root.render(<App />);
```

### Step #5: Run the application

Finally, run the application in the browser using the following command.

```
npm start
```

Refer to the following image.
<figure>

  <img src="https://www.syncfusion.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Integrating-MultiColumn-ComboBox-in-React-application.png" alt="Integrating MultiColumn ComboBox in React application" style="width:100%">

  <figcaption>Integrating MultiColumn ComboBox in React application</figcaption>

</figure>

## Conclusion

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed learning about the new Syncfusion [React MultiColumn ComboBox](https://www.syncfusion.com/react-components/react-multicolumn-combobox "React MultiColumn ComboBox component") and its features. This component is now available in our [2024 Volume 2 release](https://www.syncfusion.com/forums/188642/essential-studio-2024-volume-2-main-release-v26-1-35-is-available-for-download "Essential Studio 2024 Volume 2"). Check out our [Release Notes](https://help.syncfusion.com/common/essential-studio/release-notes/v26.1.35 "Essential Studio Release Notes") and [What’s New](https://www.syncfusion.com/products/whatsnew "Essential Studio What's New pages") pages to discover all the new updates in this release. Try them out and share your thoughts in the comments section below!

The newest version of Essential Studio is available on the [license and downloads page](https://www.syncfusion.com/account/downloads "Essential Studio License and Downloads page") for existing Syncfusion customers. If you are not a customer, try our 30-day [free trial](https://www.syncfusion.com/downloads "Get free evaluation of the Essential Studio products") to test these new features.

You can also contact us through our [support forums](https://www.syncfusion.com/forums "Syncfusion Support Forum"), [support portal](https://support.syncfusion.com/ "Syncfusion Support Portal"), or [feedback portal](https://www.syncfusion.com/feedback "Syncfusion Feedback Portal"). We are always happy to assist you!

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