The page layout sets how many columns a record page has: one column, two equal columns, or a wide column beside a narrow one. You pick it once per table, and every record in the table uses it.
Here is the test: are most of your fields short, such as dates and statuses, or long, such as documents and checklists? Short fields suit two equal columns. Long fields suit the 70/30 split.
Example: a Risk Register table holds short fields such as Status and Risk Evaluation Due Date, and long ones such as a risk description. Two equal columns fit it. A Policies table that is mostly policy text reads better in 70/30.
Plan Availability | All plan types. |
Permissions | Administrators and Solution Managers set the page layout. Every member with access to the table sees it. |
Platform | Web |
Related Reading |
How do I change the page layout?
Open any record in the table.
Select the three-dot menu in the record header and select Page Settings.
Select the Page Layout tab.
Select a layout. The record page changes at once.
Page Settings, Page Layout tab, on a risk record, with the three layout options and the current one selected.
The tab offers three layouts: One Column, Two Columns 50/50 and Two Columns 70/30. Each fixes the record window to a width: 650 pixels, 800 pixels and 1,130 pixels.
Which layout should I choose?
Layout. | Best for. |
One Column. | Short tables with a few fields, where people add a quick entry. |
Two Columns 50/50. | Most tables, with a mix of short and long fields. This is the default for a new table. |
Two Columns 70/30. | Tables with many long fields, such as Text Area, SmartDoc, Checklist, Files and Images or Linked Record fields. |
Tip: Start with 50/50. Switch to 70/30 when long fields crowd the page.
What happens to sections when I switch?
All three layouts share one set of sections, so switching never copies or loses a section.
To 70/30: every section goes in the wide column. The narrow column starts empty, ready for short fields.
From 70/30: the sections from the narrow column come first, then those from the wide column.
Field order: SmartSuite keeps the order of your fields in every layout.
Tab rules and section rules keep working after a switch, with no extra setup.
Which fields go in the narrow column?
In 70/30, you can drag fields between the columns.
Note: The layout belongs to the table. It applies to every record, from every view.
Frequently asked questions
What is the default layout for a new table?
What is the default layout for a new table?
Two Columns 50/50. It suits a mix of short and long fields.
Does changing the layout move or delete fields?
Does changing the layout move or delete fields?
No. Every layout uses the same sections, and SmartSuite keeps the order of your fields.
Can different members see different layouts?
Can different members see different layouts?
No. The layout belongs to the table, so every member sees the same one. To hide fields from some people, use field permissions.
Who can change the layout?
Who can change the layout?
Administrators and Solution Managers, from Page Settings on any record in the table.
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Last verified 1 Nov 2026.