What makes record layout important?
Record Layout design is fundamental to the user experience in SmartSuite. Meaning - where you place fields, how you organize sections, and the page layouts you choose impact how your team finds value in using the system.
Record field layout options
When building new or making updates to existing solutions, we like to start with the data we need to capture - the fields we need to create and add to the record page. Understand how to Add or Modify Fields here.
Once you've created the fields you want to capture, it's time to organize them on the record. We recommend starting with the type of Record Layout that best fits your Table.
Select from the following options:
Single Column - this is great for simple records capturing data in a small number of fields.
Double Column 50 / 50 - this is the default layout because it provides the most versatility in organizing larger volumes of fields (data), and splits the record into two equal columns.
Double Column 70 / 30 - this layout splits the record into two columns, 70% / 30% in size. We recommend this layout for records utilizing large numbers of Texts, Linked Records, Files & Images, Checklists, and Sub Items fields where additional space on the form are beneficial. Other field types in the record can be added to the smaller 30% column.
Change Page Layout in the Page Settings, accessed by clicking the "..." button in any record (available to Solution Managers and Admins only).
📝 Note: SmartSuite hardcodes which fields go to 70 and which go to 30 part of the 70/30 view. Shorter, single-column field types such as Date, Status, Single Select fields go on the right, while the Text Area, Checklist, Files & Images, Sub Items and SmartDoc fields land on the left.
Record layout use cases
1. Double Column 50/50 Default
The Double Column 50/50 layout is the default for new tables. It’s best for general tables with a mix of field types.
2. Fields Are Auto Arranged
It’s easy to switch between layout options to “test drive” views. SmartSuite automatically arranges fields when switching between page layout options. Fields can be organized using drag & drop according to best practices or preferences.
3. Use Double Column 70/30 for “Heavy” Field Types
We like using the 70/30 split for tables with numerous Text Area, SmartDoc, Checklist, Linked Record (Expanded Display enabled) and Sub Items field types. These particular fields span two columns by default in 50/50 view for good reason – that’s how they’re best displayed.
The HR Handbook solution is available in the Solution Library and largely contains policies, procedures and content related to HR processes. It’s a great example of when to use 70/30 view.
4. Single Column for “Quick Hit" Tables
For example, our Sales CRM Lite solution available in the Solution Library utilizes the Single Column. It includes Interactions records designed to capture casual and formal actions that may generate formal leads or sales opportunities.
5. Layout is Applied to All Saved Views
A layout you choose is applied on the Table's level. This means that once you change the layout of a record, it will change for all records in the table throughout all saved views.