Published at: 2026-09-17
Record types and layouts
Record Types and page layouts determine the interface and operations for each Business Scenario.
Overview
When a Custom Object has multiple Record Types, each Business Category can need different information. One generic layout adds irrelevant fields and slows data entry.
Create dedicated details, Form Page, and list layouts for each Record Type. Then assign each layout to a role and Record Type combination.
How they work together
Create and edit pages
The user selects a Record Type. The system matches the user’s role and selected type to a Form Page layout. It then shows the relevant fields and required rules.
Examples:
- After-sales Service Personnel select Account Complaint and see complaint category, severity, and resolution time.
- Pre-sales support personnel select Account inquiry and see topic, product line, and feedback channel.
Record details
When a user opens a record, the system identifies its Record Type and loads the corresponding Details Page Layout.
- A Store account uses a store layout with Store Address and floor area.
- A Distributor account uses a distributor layout with territory and authorization level.
List differentiation
You can configure list columns by Record Type. Custom column order also applies to related lists when the list style uses a Record Type dropdown.
Mapping
The core mapping is:
Role + Record Type = Page layout
| Role | Record Type | Details Page Layout | Form Page layout |
|---|---|---|---|
| After-sales Service Personnel | Account Complaint | Complaint details | New complaint |
| Pre-sales support | Account inquiry | Inquiry details | New inquiry |
| Administrator | Default Record Type | General details | General create |
[!NOTE] If a combination has no dedicated layout, the system uses the role’s default layout. If that is also missing, it uses the system default.
Configuration order
Step 1: Create Record Types
Create the required Record Types in Setup and assign roles.
Step 2: Design dedicated layouts
- Details page layout: Controls fields and components on record details.
- Form Page layout: Controls fields, form sections, and required rules.
- List page layout: Controls columns and sorting.
Step 3: Configure layout assignment
Assign a page layout to each role + Record Type combination.
Step 4: Match master-detail Record Types (optional)
For Master-Detail objects, match primary and detail types so detail layouts follow the selected type.
Best practices
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Create types first | Makes all mapping options available during layout assignment |
| Use consistent names | Include the type in layout names, such as Complaint - Details |
| Keep configurations lightweight | If only status or level values differ, use a picklist and Filter Scenario instead |
| Validate gradually | Test each type with test roles before release |
[!TIP] Draft a role by Record Type by layout matrix before configuring the system.