---
title: The Layout Manager
description: "> 📍 **Context** > *Kafinea General Interface* --- ## Introduction The **Layout Editor** allows administrators to customize the structure of each module's forms: add, move, or hide fields, create new blocks, and reorganize the layout of information. It is accessible…"
url: "https://www.kafinea.com/en/help/kafinea-interface/the-layout-manager/"
updated: "2023-11-28"
category: Kafinea interface
---

# The Layout Manager

> 📍 **Context**
> *Kafinea General Interface*

---

## Introduction

The **Layout Editor** allows administrators to customize the structure of each module's forms: add, move, or hide fields, create new blocks, and reorganize the layout of information. It is accessible via ***Settings > Layout Editor***.

---

## 1. Customizing a module

To customize the layout of a module:

1. Go to ***Settings > Layout Editor***
2. Select the module to customize
3. The editor displays the current structure of the form with its blocks and fields

**Available actions:**

- **Move a field**: drag and drop a field from one block to another or change its order
- **Hide a field**: make a field invisible in the form (existing data is preserved)
- **Make a field mandatory**: define which fields must be filled in upon saving
- **Add a block**: create a new group of fields to organize information
- **Create a custom field**: add a new field to the module (text, number, drop-down list, date, etc.)

---

## 2. Custom field types

| Type | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Text** | Free text field (single line) |
| **Text area** | Multiline text field |
| **Formatted text** | Text field with formatting (bold, italic, lists…) |
| **Decimal** | Decimal numerical value |
| **Integer** | Integer numerical value |
| **Percentage** | Percentage value |
| **Currency** | Amount with currency |
| **Date** | Date picker |
| **Time** | Time picker |
| **Email** | Email address with format validation |
| **Phone** | Phone number |
| **URL** | Web link |
| **Drop-down list** | Choice from a list of predefined values |
| **Multi-select checkbox** | Multiple selection from a list of values |
| **Checkbox** | Yes/no value |
| **Skype** | Skype ID |
| **Link button** | Clickable button pointing to a URL |

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## 3. Best practices

- **Do not overload forms**: only add fields that are actually used
- **Organize by logical blocks**: group fields by theme (general information, address, accounting…)
- **Use mandatory fields sparingly**: too many mandatory fields slow down data entry

> **Important:** Deleting a custom field is permanent and results in the loss of associated data. It is better to hide a field rather than delete it if you are not certain you no longer need it.

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## 4. Frequently asked questions

**Do the changes apply to all users?**
 Yes, the layout is common to all users of the module. It is not possible to have a different layout per role.

**Can I modify Kafinea's standard fields?**
 You can move, hide, or make standard fields mandatory. However, you cannot delete them or change their type.

**How do I add a custom drop-down list?**
 Create a field of type ***Drop-down list***, then define the possible values. Values can be translated into each available language.

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## Related references 🔗

- [Records](https://www.kafinea.com/en/documentation/kafinea-interface/records/)
- [Access rights](https://www.kafinea.com/en/documentation/settings/access-rights/)