Salesforce DictionarySalesforce DictionaryBusiness process variant vs field arrangement
A Record Type in Salesforce allows administrators to offer different business processes, picklist values, and page layouts for the same object based on user profile or context. Record Types are commonly used when a single object serves multiple purposes, ensuring that each group of users sees only the fields and values relevant to them.
A Page Layout in Salesforce controls the arrangement of fields, buttons, related lists, and custom links on a record detail page. Administrators use the drag-and-drop layout editor to organize which elements appear, in what order, and whether fields are required, read-only, or hidden for users assigned to specific profiles.
| Dimension | Record Type | Page Layout |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Define different business processes per object | Arrange fields, sections, and related lists on a page |
| Picklist Values | Controls which picklist values are available | No control over picklist values |
| Assignment | Assigned to profiles | Assigned to profiles per record type |
| Data Segmentation | Segments records by type or process | No data segmentation |
| Reports | Can filter reports by record type | No impact on reporting |
When you need different business processes, picklist values, or page layouts per record category.
When you need to control which fields and sections users see on a record page.