Lookup Dialog customization runs through field configuration plus the object''s search layout. The combination is what shapes user UX.
- Identify the lookup field
Setup, Object Manager, the source object, Fields & Relationships, click the lookup field.
- Configure a lookup filter (optional)
Edit the field, add lookup filter criteria to scope the dialog''s results.
- Configure the search layout
Setup, Object Manager, the target object, Search Layouts, edit the Lookup Dialogs layout. Pick the fields shown in the result rows.
- Enable search on additional fields
Setup, Search, Search Index Settings, enable additional fields (Email, Phone) on the target object for search.
- Test the lookup behavior
Open a record with the lookup field, click the magnifier or type in the field. Verify the right results appear with the right columns.
- Iterate based on user feedback
Users notice lookup dialogs that show the wrong fields or that include too-broad results. Tighten lookup filters and adjust search layouts based on feedback.
- Lookup Dialogs respect record sharing. Users see only records they have access to; integrations should not assume users will see all records.
- Lookup filters can be too restrictive. A filter that hides legitimate records produces user frustration and workaround behavior.
- Search layouts are per-object, not per-lookup-field. Changing the layout affects every lookup dialog targeting that object.
- Lightning typeahead is faster but less discoverable than the Classic modal. New users sometimes miss the dropdown.