Salesforce List Views are one of the most essential features that users and admins rely on daily to view records across standard objects like accounts, opportunities, and leads, as well as custom objects.
Over the years, list views have evolved to enhance user experience. However, since they are widely used, feature enhancement requests frequently appear on IdeaExchange, and many Salesforce projects involve customizing list views to better meet unique business needs.
In this post, we’ll explore what Salesforce List Views offer, why some projects require custom list views, and how you can overcome the limitations of standard list views to improve efficiency.
What Salesforce List Views Offer
Salesforce provides default list views for every object, such as Recently Viewed, All Accounts, and My Accounts. List view key features help users streamline their workflows and improve productivity.
Key Features of Standard List Views
- Standard and Custom List View: Predefined views provided by Salesforce (e.g. All Accounts, My Opportunities). Users can create their own views by applying filters and selecting specific columns.
- Filter and Sort: Apply filters to quickly find relevant records.
- Data Display Format: Support table, kanban view.
- Pinned Lists: Pin frequently used list views for quick access.
- Bulk Actions: For certain objects (such as leads), select multiple records and perform bulk actions like reassigning owners.
These features help users efficiently access and manage data within Salesforce.
When Do You Need Custom List Views?
While standard list views provide essential functionality, they often fall short in more complex scenarios:
- Advanced Search Conditions: Users must create separate list views for different filter combinations, which becomes cumbersome when search criteria frequently change, such as dynamic filters for cases by category and status or flexible date-based searches for bulletins.
- Bulk Record Processing: Large-scale updates require easier mass actions, such as registering multiple assets to a work order or adding multiple parts records to a cart at once.
- Excel Import and Export: Users need a seamless way to download and upload data.
- Quick Row Actions: Inline editing needs to support more than just basic field modifications, as users often need to apply discounts, update order statuses, or trigger flows without navigating to record detail pages.
- Summarized Data Display: Users need to see totals or averages within the list view in real time to enable quick edits and data management without switching to another page, such as a report.
Creating List Views That Your Users Will Actually Love
What Admins Can Do
To meet user needs, admins can extend standard list views using declarative solutions. Here are some common approaches:
- Utilizing Formula Fields and Default Filters: Create separate list views using default filters to refine data for different conditions or use formula fields to automate filtering logic.
- Using Multiple List Views and Reports: Create multiple list views for different user needs, while reports offer advanced filtering and aggregation beyond what list views provide.
- Embedding a Screen Flow with a Data Table: Use screen flows with data tables on homepages to display key records and trigger automated processes.
However, these approaches have limitations in fully meeting user expectations, necessitating alternative solutions for complex requirements:
- Formula fields are defined by admins and cannot adapt to each user’s needs, and default filters require multiple list views for different scenarios.
- Managing multiple list views becomes overwhelming when users require more flexible filtering.
- Implementing screen flows with data tables only supports predefined actions, restricting real-time adjustments for users who need more flexibility in frequently changing conditions.
Custom Development with LWC and Apex
For complex project requirements, building a custom page using Lightning Web Components (LWC) and Apex is often necessary when out-of-the-box options fall short. For example, businesses needing real-time inventory checks within a list view or requiring dynamic data visualization for quick decision-making would find standard list views and reports insufficient. However, this approach:
- Requires significant development resources and costs.
- Depends on project complexity, increasing maintenance overhead.
- May require ongoing updates to keep up with Salesforce enhancements.
AppExchange Solutions
If you are looking for a faster and easier way to enhance list views, consider AppExchange solutions. Many apps specialize in functionalities, like Excel export, column sorting, and mass actions.
Among these, SmallBuilder Lists provides a comprehensive solution that extends Salesforce’s standard list view capabilities, addressing the most common challenges users face.
How SmallBuilder Lists Can Enhance Your List Views
- Dynamic Filtering: Standard list views require predefined filters, meaning users must create a new list view whenever they need a different filter conditions. With SmallBuilder Lists, users can apply instant, flexible filtering – no need to create separate list views for each filter combination.
- Mass and Quick Row Actions: Salesforce’s built-in mass actions are limited to specific objects and only allow basic field updates. SmallBuilder Lists integrates with screen flows, enabling one-click execution of bulk and row-level actions without custom development.
- Excel Import and Export: While Salesforce offers data imports through the Import Wizard, SmallBuilder Lists allows users to import and export Excel files directly within the list view, with customizable templates for seamless updates.
- Column Summaries: Automatically calculate sums and averages for currency and number fields, providing real-time insights without additional calculations.
- Multi-Column Sorting: SmallBuilder supports multi-column sorting with the Order By feature for enhanced data organization.
Final Thoughts
Salesforce List Views are indispensable for data management, but custom enhancements often require additional development resources and maintenance costs. This challenge becomes even more critical in fast-evolving business environments where adaptability is key.
With SmallBuilder Lists, you can implement powerful list view features without custom development – saving time and resources.
If you’re looking to explore more use cases, check out SmallBuilder blog for in-depth insights. SmallBuilder List is available on AppExchange, offering a free plan for up to ten users. Try it now and experience the future of efficient data management!
