Definition
Tabs is a Setup page where administrators create custom tabs for custom objects, Visualforce pages, Lightning components, and web content. Custom tabs make these items accessible through the Salesforce navigation bar and App Launcher, providing users with direct access to custom functionality.
Real-World Example
The admin at BrightPath Consulting creates a custom tab for the "Training Session" custom object so users can find it in the App Launcher and add it to their app navigation. She selects a graduation cap icon, sets the tab style to match the company branding, and assigns it to the relevant profiles and Lightning apps.
Why Tabs Matters
Tabs is a Setup page in Salesforce where administrators create and manage custom tabs for custom objects, Visualforce pages, Lightning components, and web content. When you create a custom object, it does not automatically get a tab; the admin must create one so users can find the object in the App Launcher and add it to their navigation bar. The Tabs Setup page allows administrators to select a tab style (icon and color), assign the tab to Lightning apps, and configure profile-level visibility. This is a crucial step in making custom functionality accessible to end users.
As organizations build more custom objects and applications, the Tabs Setup page becomes a frequent stop for administrators managing the user experience. Every new custom object that end users need to interact with requires a tab, and choosing meaningful icons and consistent styling helps users navigate the platform intuitively. Without properly configured tabs, custom objects remain accessible only through search or direct URL, which significantly reduces adoption. The setup page also supports creating tabs for Lightning Web Components and external web URLs, enabling admins to integrate third-party tools and custom interfaces into the standard Salesforce navigation framework.
How Organizations Use Tabs
- BrightPath Consulting — BrightPath's admin creates a custom tab for the Training Session custom object, selecting a graduation cap icon and matching the company's brand colors. She assigns the tab to the HR Lightning app and sets visibility to Default On for the HR Manager profile and Default Off for all others. Users can still find it via the App Launcher if needed.
- NovaTech Engineering — NovaTech creates a Lightning Component tab that hosts a custom project dashboard built as a Lightning Web Component. The tab appears in the Engineering app's navigation bar, giving developers access to sprint metrics, code review queues, and deployment status without navigating away from Salesforce.
- GreenField Realty — GreenField creates a Web tab for their external property listing portal so agents can access the third-party MLS system directly from Salesforce navigation. The admin configures the tab to open in a Salesforce-framed window and restricts it to the Real Estate Agent profile, keeping the navigation clean for other teams.