Understanding and Customizing Related List Default Column Layout Changes Based on Field
The default column layout in related lists within Salesforce is designed to provide a general overview of the associated records. However, you might find yourself needing to adjust this layout to better suit your specific needs and display critical information more prominently.
Why would you need to change the default column layout?
- Highlighting Essential Data: You might want to prioritize certain fields in the related list to quickly assess key information without having to click into individual records.
- Improving User Experience: By displaying relevant information in a clear and organized manner, you can enhance the usability of related lists for your users.
- Ensuring Consistency: Maintaining a consistent layout across related lists can promote a streamlined user experience and improve data visibility.
How can you achieve these changes?
The customization of related list column layout changes based on fields can be achieved in two primary ways:
1. Utilizing Salesforce Classic's List View Layout
Salesforce Classic provides a more direct and intuitive approach to configuring related list column layouts. Here's how to do it:
- Navigate to the Object: Open the object that contains the related list you want to modify.
- Choose "List Views": Click on "List Views" in the left navigation panel.
- Edit Existing or Create a New View: Select an existing list view or create a new one.
- Access the Layout Options: Click on the "Edit" button for the selected list view and then on the "Customize" tab.
- Modify the Column Layout: In the "Layout" section, you can add, remove, or reorder columns by dragging and dropping fields.
- Save Changes: Click on the "Save" button to finalize your modifications.
Example:
Let's say you have a related list of "Opportunities" on the "Account" object. You want to prioritize the "Stage" and "Amount" fields in the related list to get a quick overview of the associated opportunities. You can modify the list view layout to display these fields prominently.
2. Leveraging Salesforce Lightning Experience's Field Level Security (FLS)
Salesforce Lightning Experience offers a more advanced approach using FLS to control the display of fields in related lists. This approach allows you to configure field visibility based on profile and permission set assignments.
- Manage Field Level Security: Navigate to Setup and search for "Field Level Security."
- Select the Object: Choose the object that contains the related list you wish to modify.
- Configure Field Visibility: Define which profiles or permission sets can view specific fields. This determines the fields that will be displayed in the related list.
Example:
If you have a "Contact" object and want to restrict "Phone" and "Email" fields from being visible in the related list for specific profiles, you can configure FLS accordingly. This will ensure that only authorized users see these sensitive fields.
Important Considerations:
- User Access: The user's profile and permission set will determine what fields they can see in related lists.
- Object Permissions: Users need appropriate object permissions to view related lists and their corresponding fields.
- Field Level Security: FLS plays a crucial role in dictating what fields are visible in related lists, so make sure to configure it carefully to ensure appropriate data access.
Best Practices:
- Keep it Simple: Strive for a streamlined layout that highlights only the most essential fields for your users.
- Context is Key: Consider the context of the related list and prioritize fields that provide valuable insights in that specific scenario.
- Test Thoroughly: After making changes, thoroughly test the modified related lists to ensure they function as intended and meet your requirements.
Conclusion:
By understanding how to customize related list column layouts, you can significantly improve the usability and efficiency of your Salesforce applications. By carefully considering your needs and using the appropriate tools, you can create tailored related lists that provide your users with the information they need, when they need it.