Search Layout
A Salesforce configuration that controls which fields appear in search results for each object, defining the columns displayed when records appear in lookup dialogs, search results, and phone lookup results.
Definition
A Salesforce configuration that controls which fields appear in search results for each object, defining the columns displayed when records appear in lookup dialogs, search results, and phone lookup results.
In plain English
“A Search Layout is a Salesforce configuration that controls which fields appear in search results for each object. It defines the columns displayed when records show up in lookup dialogs, search results, and phone lookup results, letting admins customize what users see when searching.”
Worked example
When users at Kestrelmoor Capital search for an Account in the global search bar, the results show Name, Phone, Industry, BillingState, and Owner - five columns chosen by the admin via the Account object's Search Layout. Without configuration, the default Search Layout might show different fields (just Name and Owner); the admin tuned it to surface what the team actually needs in search results. Search Layouts apply to Lookup dialogs, search results, and phone-lookup results - three places where users see lists of records and need quick context to pick the right one.
Why Search Layout matters
A Search Layout is a Salesforce configuration that controls which fields appear in search results for each object, defining the columns displayed when records appear in lookup dialogs, search results, and phone lookup results. Admins configure search layouts to show the most useful identifying fields for each object, helping users quickly identify the right record from search results.
Well-designed search layouts significantly improve user productivity. Default search layouts often show only the record name, which isn't enough to distinguish between similar records. By adding key identifying fields (like email, phone, or account for contacts), admins make it easy for users to pick the right record. Mature orgs configure search layouts for every object as part of UX optimization.
How organizations use Search Layout
Configured contact search layouts to show email and account alongside the name for quick identification.
Customized search layouts for every object to show the most useful identifying fields.
Treats search layout configuration as foundational UX work.
Test your knowledge
Q1. What is a Search Layout?
Q2. Why customize search layouts?
Q3. Where do search layouts apply?
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