Individuals learning Salesforce often grapple with distinguishing between Page Layouts and Lightning Record Pages, encountering confusion due to their apparent similarities and overlapping functionalities. The nuances become even more intricate when considering whether an organization operates in Lightning or another environment, along with variations in object configurations.
In this article, I aim to elucidate the disparities between Page Layouts and Lightning Record Pages, delving into their respective definitions and elucidating optimal use cases, shedding light on when and how to deploy them for maximum effectiveness.
What Is Page Layouts?
Page Layouts in Salesforce serve as a means to manage the visual representation and user interaction with fields on a record. They determine the arrangement of fields, control user access to certain functionalities, and specify the display of related lists, including their columns and order. Essentially, a page layout acts as a comprehensive container encompassing all fields for a given record. Administrators have the ability to designate specific fields as required or read-only and can introduce empty spaces and sections to facilitate the organization of the various fields.
In the initial image, I’m navigating the “Page Layouts” section specific to this object (account). This layout comprises two sections, where certain fields bear red asterisks denoting them as required, while others feature a lock symbol designating them as read-only. Notably, the address fields are situated in a distinct section.
Moving to the second image, various related lists for this object are displayed.
During the era of Classic or the early days of Lightning, this represented the sole method for configuring the appearance of fields, related lists, and buttons on a Salesforce Page Layout when viewing a record. Although Page Layouts boast a straightforward drag-and-drop interface, they are characterized by certain limitations.
What is Lightning Record Pages?
Lightning Record Pages represent an evolution from the traditional Page Layouts in Salesforce Classic. While both display object fields, Lightning Record Pages offer enhanced functionality beyond what Page Layouts provide. It’s essential to distinguish whether you’re working with a Page Layout embedded within a Lightning Record Page or a standalone Lightning Record Page, as the latter is exclusive to the Lightning experience.
In comparison, a Page Layout is a container encompassing fields, related lists, and buttons. It can be placed within a Lightning Record Page, but the reverse is not possible.
The versatility of Lightning Record Pages grants extensive control over the presentation of records, user interactions, and visibility based on factors like profile, app, record type, or the user’s device (mobile or desktop).
Contrary to the standardized appearance of Page Layouts, Lightning Record Pages offer significant flexibility. Users can design the entire page structure, including the option for up to three columns, sidebars, headers, pinned elements, and more. This expanded set of customization options empowers users to create more dynamic and tailored user experiences.
You have complete control over the layout of your provided page, allowing you to customize every aspect. Integrate sub-tabs to organize fields or related lists in a flexible manner. Enhance user experience by incorporating Rich Text components to convey messages effectively.
This example showcases a Lightning Record Page featuring three columns, where fields and related lists are strategically arranged. The layout effectively organizes fields and related lists across different columns. Notably, there is a distinct related list specifically for “Open Opportunities,” offering a focused view rather than displaying all opportunities.
The Lightning Record Page is constructed by adding “components,” represented by the individual boxes on the page. The boxes containing fields are referred to as “field sections,” allowing for the inclusion of selected fields. Additionally, sub-tabs for contacts and cases enhance the organization of information.
Observing the page, you’ll notice a small orange “eye” indicator on the NAICS component, indicating the application of a visibility rule. This rule restricts access to the NAICS component to specific individuals. The inclusion of a rich text component, exemplified by the red banner for Tier 1 Accounts, adds a visually appealing and informative element to the page.
The feature being referred to here is known as “Dynamic Forms.” Transitioning to Dynamic Forms presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the user-friendliness of records and optimize page load times, among other advantages.
In contrast to the Page Layout, a comparison reveals that Lightning Record Pages offer significantly greater customization options. Furthermore, Lightning Record Pages undergo continuous enhancements, receiving increasingly powerful and compelling updates in each release.
Overlap
Certainly! It appears that you’re referring to the incorporation of a page layout onto a Lightning Record Page. This involves placing a predefined page structure onto the Record Page, introducing an element of overlap and potential confusion.
To illustrate, consider a Lightning Record Page characterized by a single column and a sidebar. Within the primary column, there exists a prominent component known as “Record Detail.” This configuration reflects an example of integrating a page layout onto the Record Page, consolidating content and potentially leading to some ambiguity in the overall design.
All these fields are grouped together in a single large box, and unfortunately, I have no ability to adjust their placement, set their requirements, or designate them as read-only. Breaking them into logical sections is also not possible from this interface. Any modifications to these aspects would require going back to the page layout and making the necessary changes there.
Navigating these configurations can be particularly challenging, especially if you’re not the person who initially designed these pages and you’re dealing with an organization set up by someone else. When in doubt, it’s recommended to access the Lightning Record Page, and simply click on the box containing the fields for a clearer overview.
If you find the “Record Detail” option in the top right corner after clicking on a component, it indicates that you should either customize your modifications within the Page Layout or consider upgrading your page to leverage field sections with Dynamic Forms.
Here’s an interesting tip: opt for the “Two Equal Regions” structure when configuring your Lightning Page. This choice allows you to incorporate field sections and have four columns of fields, providing more flexibility compared to the two columns available in a traditional Page Layout. It’s worth noting that Dynamic Forms are generally applicable to most objects in Salesforce, although there are exceptions, such as campaigns.
Page Layouts vs. Lightning Record Pages
Summary
Understanding the distinctions between Page Layouts and Lightning Record Pages can be challenging. However, this article aims to clarify these differences, enabling you to make more impactful updates to your Salesforce organization. It’s important to note that, in the realm of Salesforce Classic, Page Layouts might become obsolete in the future. Consequently, your organization will likely need to transition entirely to Lightning Record Pages. Taking proactive steps to familiarize yourself with this transition now can prove beneficial in the long run!
