Sales Path (or Path, since it now applies to many objects beyond Opportunity) is a visual stage indicator on a record's Lightning page. Users see the current stage, a guidance panel with key fields and best practices for that stage, and a one-click "Mark as Complete" or "Mark as Current" button to advance.
Configuration:
- Setup -> Path Settings -> New Path.
- Pick the object (Opportunity, Lead, Case, custom objects with a status/stage picklist) and the picklist field that drives the path.
- Optionally pick the record type if you want different paths per record type.
- For each picklist value (each stage), configure:
- Key fields (up to 5) — fields the user should fill at this stage.
- Guidance for success — a free-text panel of tips, links, instructions.
- Set the path's status to Active.
- The Path component is included on Lightning Record Pages by default, but you may need to verify it's on the page in App Builder.
Why it matters:
- Adoption — gives reps clear next-step prompts; fewer "what should I do next?" support tickets.
- Data quality — surfaces required fields at the right moment, avoiding deals stuck in incorrect stages.
- Coaching — managers can encode "here's what good looks like at each stage" in the guidance panel.
Path also supports conditional fields — fields shown only at certain stages — and celebration animations at Closed Won (the confetti).
Caveat: Path is mostly UI sugar. The actual stage transition rules (validation, blocking, automation) still come from validation rules, flows, and approval processes. Path doesn't enforce; it nudges.