Error When Saving a Form: “The item could not be saved”

Problem

When users try to save a form, they see the following error message and the item is not saved:

The item could not be saved. Please check detailed error messages on the fields below.

In some cases, no specific field shows a detailed error message, making the issue unclear.

Root Cause

This issue is usually caused by Required columns that are configured on the Content Type but are not visible in the form.

Even if a field is required at the content type level, the form can still load without displaying it. When the user attempts to save the form, SharePoint blocks the save operation because required data is missing—even though the user had no way to enter it.

How to Troubleshoot

Step 1: Check for field-level error messages

1. Review all fields in the form.

2. Verify whether any field displays a more detailed error message (e.g. invalid value, required field missing).

If no fields show an error, continue with Step 2.

Step 2: Verify required columns on the Content Type

1. Open the List Settings of the list where you are trying to create or edit the item
   (for example: Scheduled Events, Event Catalog, etc.).

2. Click on the Content Type used by the list.

3. Review the list of columns and identify:

   • Columns marked as Required

   • Columns that are not visible in the form

✅ If a required column is missing from the form, this is the cause of the error.

How to Fix the Issue

You can resolve the issue in one of two ways:

Option 1: Make the column optional

If the column should not be mandatory:

1. Open the column settings from the Content Type.

2. Change the column from Required to Optional.

3. Save the changes.

Option 2: Add the required column to the form (recommended)

This is usually the safest and fastest fix.

1. Open the form again.

2. At the top of the form, click Edit form.

3. Scroll to the bottom and click the ➕ (Add field) icon.

4. Add the missing required field(s) to the form.

5. Click Save form changes.

6. Choose to save the changes for all items in the list.

7. Try saving the form again.

Additional Information

• This issue can occur after:

  • Adding new required columns to a Content Type

  • Customizing forms without reviewing required fields

📘 Learn more about editing forms:
https://www.sharepointsapiens.com/help/documentation/edit-form/