Get Started Free A Record Type in Salesforce lets you use different picklist values and page layouts on the same object. For Leads, Opportunities, Cases, and Solutions, Record Types can also support different business processes. Instead of creating separate objects for each process, admins can use Record Types on a single object. Record Types can be assigned through Profiles or Permission Sets, while page layouts are assigned based on the Profile and Record Type. Common examples include B2B and B2C Leads, New Business and Renewal Opportunities, and Support and Billing Cases.
PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
A company sells both to businesses (B2B) and consumers (B2C). Both types of deals go through the Opportunity Object, but they have different sales stages and different required information. The admin creates two Record Types on Opportunity: “B2B Opportunity” and “B2C Opportunity.” Each has its own Page Layout (different fields) and its own Sales Process (different Stages). When a rep creates a new Opportunity, they pick which Record Type; the layout and stages update accordingly.
Quick Facts
-
One Object can have multiple Record Types: each Record Type is a variation of the same Object with different picklist values, layouts, and processes;
-
Assigned via Profile or Permission Set: either one can grant access to a Record Type, but the default Record Type is set only on the Profile;
-
Record Types drive picklist values: for a given picklist field, each Record Type can have a different subset of values, drawn from the field’s master picklist;
-
Record Types drive Page Layouts: The Page Layout a user sees depends on their Profile and Record Type. Different Record Types can use different Page Layouts and show different fields on the record page. Page Layouts control what appears on the page, while Field-Level Security controls whether users can access individual fields;
-
Record Types drive business processes: For Opportunities, Cases, Leads, and Solutions, each Record Type can be associated with a business process. The business process determines which Stage or Status values are available for that Record Type;
-
Available on most Standard Objects: Account, Contact, Lead, Opportunity, Case, Campaign, and others. Also available on all Custom Objects;
-
Records can have only one Record Type at a time: A record can have only one Record Type at a time because Salesforce stores its Record Type in a single RecordTypeId field. Record Types work best when their categories are mutually exclusive. For example, a Contact can be both a Partner and a Customer, but it can have only one Record Type. Use fields or a related object to represent these roles, depending on the data model. Profiles and permission sets can make several Record Types available to a user, but each record still has only one.
Note
Record Types are not a security feature. They control what users see and can edit on the record edit page, but do not control who can access which records. For row-level access, use sharing rules and role hierarchy. Users may still see records with a Record Type they don’t have edit access to, unless FLS or Object permissions restrict access.
FAQ
What's the difference between a Record Type and a Custom Object in Salesforce?
A Custom Object is a new table for a different type of data. A Record Type is a variation of an existing Object for different business processes. Use Record Types when data sets share most of the same fields and structure; use separate Custom Objects when the structure is fundamentally different.
How many Record Types can I have per object in Salesforce?
Salesforce recommends creating no more than 200 Record Types because orgs can have difficulty managing them beyond that. Enterprise, Performance, Unlimited, and Developer Editions don't have a documented numerical Record Type limit per object.
Can I change the Record Type of an existing record in Salesforce?
Yes. An admin first adds the Change Record Type action or the Record Type field to the page layout. Users can then change the Record Type from the record page to one they have access to. For bulk changes, admins update the RecordTypeId column via Data Loader or a similar tool.
When should I use Record Types in Salesforce?
Use Record Types when the same object needs different picklist values, page layouts, or business processes for different types of records or users. They are especially useful when those variations represent distinct business processes or record categories. Record Types are commonly used with objects such as Opportunity, Case, Lead, Account, and custom objects.
