Open ERP

Form Designer

Arrange generated fields and child sections into a clear create/edit form.

Design rows, not coordinates

The parent form uses structured rows. Each field row must contain between one and three fields, giving the runtime enough information to render a consistent desktop and responsive layout.

  • Use one column for long narration, terms or HTML content.
  • Use two columns for normal paired business fields.
  • Use three columns for compact dates, rates, categories or amounts.
  • Keep related values together and follow the order users complete the process.

Only available fields can be placed

A parent field must be configured for display in the form before Form Designer can place it. Hidden, server-filled or otherwise unavailable fields do not belong in visual rows.

Mandatory fields must be reachable

If a mandatory field is not visible, it must have a valid automatic, default, lookup/autofill or server-authoritative source. Otherwise Create will fail even if the form looks complete.

Child line-item sections

An attached submodule appears as a complete child block. Place that block in the desired sequence between parent rows; do not attempt to place its individual columns in the parent grid.

  • Put identification and date fields before the child table.
  • Put totals, narration and terms after the child table when that follows the business workflow.
  • Keep visual separation around the table so following labels do not touch its border.
  • Check mobile/responsive stacking after arranging the desktop form.

Practical layout review

  1. 01
    Scan in entry order

    The natural tab/reading order should match how a user receives the source document.

  2. 02
    Balance each row

    Avoid one tiny control beside a very long textarea or description.

  3. 03
    Test Create and Edit

    Verify labels, lookup restoration, child rows, validation messages and calculated values.

  4. 04
    Regenerate Forms

    When editing a generated module, use the tab’s regeneration action so the changed layout reaches the runtime forms.

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