Use the Custom Objects side panel

The redesigned side panel turns a Custom Object record, such as a Property or an Insurance Policy, into a workspace you can act from. It brings the record's fields, associations, appointments, tasks, notes, and conversations into one place, and lets you start a conversation, book or link an appointment, and manage linked records without leaving the panel. The record list stays open in the background.

Note

This feature is available only through a private beta and applies only to locations where it has been enabled.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Use a record as a hub
• Open a record
• Review record details
• Switch between tabs
• Work with Conversations
• Work with Appointments
• Book a meeting
• Link an existing appointment
• Record actions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Editorial checks before publication

Use a record as a hub

Because each tab lets you take action as well as review, the record becomes the place your team works from.

• Properties: Keep a listing's potential buyers, viewing appointments, and enquiries on the Property.
• Insurance Policies: Keep policyholders, renewal conversations, tasks, and notes with the Policy they belong to.
• Any Custom Object: Use the same tabs for whatever your object tracks, such as units, pets, or vehicles.

Open a record

• Select the Custom Object from the left sidebar, then click a record in its list.

The record opens in the side panel. Use the arrows at the top to move to the previous or next record in the current list. Use Close to return to the list.

Review record details

The Details tab shows the record's name, Owner and Followers, associations, and fields.

• Associations: Review linked records grouped by relationship. Use the add control beside a relationship to open its association selector, or View all when shown to see more associations.
• Search fields and folders: Find a field or folder without scrolling through the full record.
• Hide empty fields: Focus on fields that have values.
• Folders and counts: Expand folders to find their fields and see the field count.
• Edit fields: Click a field value to open its editor.

Step 1: Open a Custom Object, such as Properties, and click a record.

Step 2: Review associations and fields in Details. Use field search and Hide empty fields to narrow the view.

Step 3: Use the icons on the right to switch tabs, such as Associations.

Step 4: Open the three-dot menu to copy the record ID, view audit logs, or delete the record.

Step 5: Use the arrows at the top to move to the previous or next record.

Switch between tabs

Use the icons on the right edge of the panel:

Work with Conversations

1. Open the record and select Conversations.
2. Review the conversation feed. If there are no linked conversations, the panel shows an empty state.
3. Click Create a conversation or Create new conversation.
4. Select a Contact. The current record is already marked Linked.
5. Click Create conversation to continue.

The Contact is the person involved in the conversation. The linked record gives the conversation its Custom Object context.

Step 6: In Conversations, click Create a conversation. The record is already Linked. Select a Contact and continue.

Work with Appointments

1. Open the record and select Appointments.
2. Switch between Upcoming and Past.
3. Use Search by Calendar Name to find appointments.
4. Click Add to choose Meetings, Services, or Link existing appointment.

Step 7: In Appointments, click Add, then choose Meetings, Services, or Link existing appointment.

Book a meeting

1. Select Add → Meetings.
2. Choose the calendar, appointment details, date, time, and Contact.
3. Review Associated objects. The current record is preselected.
4. Review the remaining booking details, then select Book appointment.

Step 8: When booking a meeting, open Associated objects to confirm the current record is preselected.

Link an existing appointment

1. Select Add → Link existing appointment.
2. Search for an appointment in the current location.
3. Select Link beside the appointment you want associated with this record.

Step 9: To use a booking that already exists, choose Link existing appointment, search, and click Link.

Record actions

Open the three-dot menu at the top of the panel to access Copy record ID, View audit logs, or Delete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Conversations tab empty?

The selected record has no conversations in its feed. You can start one from Create a conversation and choose a Contact.

Q: Can I link an appointment that already exists?

Yes. Open Appointments → Add → Link existing appointment, search, and select Link beside the appointment.

Q: Why do I need to choose a Contact?

Conversation creation requires a Contact. The current record is linked separately to provide context. The meeting booking form also requires a Contact.

Q: Does this panel include Opportunity pipeline controls or a Payments tab?

The Custom Objects panel has six tabs: Details, Appointments, Associations, Tasks, Notes, and Conversations. Opportunity-specific pipeline controls and a Payments tab are not present in this panel.