What is Dynamic Forms for Salesforce?
Salesforce Dynamic Forms is a game-changer for enhancing Lightning record pages. Dynamic Forms allow users to modify the layout of a record detail page directly from the Lightning Page to create highly flexible and customizable page layouts without the need for custom code. Previously, users had to navigate through different menus in Setup to configure the user interface for a specific record. These were static and didn’t allow for granular control. Now, it can all be done seamlessly within the Lightning Page itself.
For example, you could create a dynamic layout for the Account object that displays different fields and sections depending on the account’s industry type. Or, you could create a dynamic layout for the Contact object that displays different fields and sections depending on the user’s role.
I can baffle you with more details, or I can just show you how to use Dynamic Forms in Salesforce.
Let me start at the very beginning. If you know how to create a new Lightning page, you can jump to Customize your Record.
Create a New Lightning Page
1. In Salesforce, open an object, for instance, Accounts.
2. Click the Gear icon to open the Setup menu, and then click the Edit Page option.
3. Open the Pages drop-down list and click the New Page option.
4. Select the Record Page option and follow the prompts to create a new Lightning page.
You can drag components into regions to customize the page.
5. Drag the required components from the left of the screen to the Add Component Here block on the page. The image below has been edited to show what it looks like when the Tab component is dragged and then dropped. You don’t have to use the traditional “Details” tab. You can drag the component to the page without using tabs.
6. Drag and drop the Record Detail component.
7. Click the Upgrade Now button.
8. Click the Next button.
9. Select the Account Layout option and click the Finish button.
Customize your Record
- Select a component, for instance, Account Information.
- Change the following if necessary:
- Type a new Label in the field.
- Select a radio button to use 1 or 2 columns.
- Click the checkbox to align the fields horizontally.
3. Select a field and change the UI behavior as necessary.
4. Add a filter by clicking the Add Filter button. You can select Active in the Field Input, set the Operator to Equal, and change the Value to Yes.
5. Click Done to set the filter. The orange icon shows that the field has a filter.
6. Delete any fields that you don’t require by selecting the field and clicking the Delete icon.
7. Drag and drop fields to another position on the page.
8. Click the Save button.
9. Click the Activate button to make the page visible to your users.
10. Click the Assign as Org Default option and select the form factors that you want your org default page to be available for:
- Desktop
- Phone
- Desktop and phone
11. Click the Next button and then click the Save button.
12. Browse to the Account object and refresh the page. You will see the new page layout.
Pros
Improved user experience
Dynamic Forms allow you to create more user-centric and personalized page layouts for your users. This can lead to improved user satisfaction and productivity.
Increased efficiency
Dynamic Forms can help you to reduce the amount of time and effort required to create and maintain page layouts. This is because you no longer need to create multiple page layouts for different scenarios.
Greater flexibility
Dynamic Forms give you more flexibility to control how your data is displayed. This can be useful for complex data models or for businesses with unique requirements.
Reduced data entry errors
Dynamic Forms can help to reduce data entry errors by only displaying the fields that are relevant to the user’s task.
Improved data accuracy
Dynamic Forms can help to improve data accuracy by validating data entry and by using conditional logic to display relevant fields.
Cons
While Salesforce Dynamic Forms offer many benefits, here are some disadvantages of Dynamic Forms.
Complexity and Learning Curve
After this quick step-by-step description, it may be hard to believe, but one of the disadvantages of Salesforce Dynamic Forms is that it can be very complex to set up, especially if you are not familiar with Salesforce customization.
Limited Customization
Dynamic Forms are not fully customizable, which means you don’t have complete control over the branding or appearance of forms. It is currently not possible to edit or reorder the related lists on a page.
On the other hand, be aware of excessive customization that can lead to a cluttered and confusing user interface. It’s important to strike a balance between flexibility and maintaining a streamlined and intuitive user experience.
Limited Support for Standard Objects
Dynamic Forms is currently only supported for a limited number of standard objects. However, Salesforce has plans to expand support to more entities in the future.
Technical Considerations
Field Limits: You can add up to 100 fields per column in a field section component.
Mobile Limitations: The “Field Section” component of Dynamic Forms is not supported on mobile.
Blank Spaces: Blank spaces are not supported within Dynamic Forms.
Linked Lists: Linked lists are still controlled by traditional page layouts.
Performance issues
Some users have reported performance issues with Dynamic Forms, such as slow loading times and errors.
Titan: Top Alternative to Salesforce Dynamic Forms
Titan’s Dynamic Forms is a form builder that comes with multiple patents and offers an extensive range of features. Some of the key advantages of using Titan’s Dynamic Forms include:
1. Limitless Flexibility and Customization: With Titan’s Dynamic Forms, users can create highly customized forms that cater to their specific business requirements. The drag-and-drop software is easy to use and completely codeless.
2. Improved User Experience: Dynamic Forms can show and hide fields based on user inputs, making the forms more straightforward and less overwhelming to users.
3. Enhanced Automation and Smooth Performance: Titan’s Dynamic Forms can automate business processes by triggering actions based on user inputs, such as sending notifications, updating records, and creating follow-up tasks. You can include as many conditions, rules, and dependencies as you like when you choose.
4. Mobile Compatibility: Dynamic Forms in Titan are compatible with mobile devices, making it easier for users to access and complete forms on the go.
5. Excellent Value for Money: Titan helps speed up G2M and saves you money on expensive development. It also provides some of the best value on the market, offering a range of custom Salesforce tools at a competitive price.
References:
https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=sf.dynamic_forms_limitations.htm&type=5
https://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/projects/convert-a-lightning-page-to-dynamic-forms/get-started-with-dynamic-forms
About the blog
SFDCLessons is a blog where you can find various Salesforce tutorials and tips that we have written to help beginners and experienced developers alike. we also share my experience and knowledge on Salesforce best practices, troubleshooting, and optimization. Don’t forget to follow us on:
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