Just Because You Can Doesn’t Mean You Should
One of the first things people ask when customizing Zoho CRM is: “Should we create multiple layouts for this module?”
And my answer, almost every time? No.
Multiple layouts sound like a smart way to manage different use cases within the same module—say, different services, pipelines, or departments. But in reality, they usually cause more problems than they solve.
I’ve worked inside a lot of messy CRMs. You know what most of them have in common? A tangled mess of layouts that nobody fully understands anymore.
Watch to See Why You Don't Need Multiple Layouts in Zoho CRM
When You Think You Need Multiple Layouts...
Here’s how the logic usually goes:
“We have a few different processes for different types of deals, so let’s make a separate layout for each!”
It feels organized at first. But soon, things get out of sync:
- You make a change in one layout, but forget to do it in the others.
- Reports break because fields are missing in one version.
- Users switch between layouts and get confused about what fields they’re supposed to fill out.
- And the worst offender: Blueprints. You can only run a blueprint on a single layout. Want that same process on your other layout? You’ll have to rebuild it from scratch.
If your CRM is supposed to bring clarity to your team, multiple layouts often do the opposite.
A Better Way: One Layout, Smarter Logic
Instead of separate layouts, I recommend using layout rules with a “Type” picklist or something similar.
For example:
- Create a single layout for your Deals module
- Add a picklist field called “Deal Type” (or whatever makes sense for your process)
- Use layout rules to show/hide fields based on that type
- Bonus: You can also use conditional automation, views, and reporting off that same field
This approach gives you flexibility without all the duplication and friction. And you’ll only need to build one blueprint. Thank you very much.
When Should You Use Multiple Layouts?
I’m not saying they’re never useful. If you have two truly different lines of business—like a real estate brokerage and a software development agency in the same CRM—fine. Go for it.
But if it’s just a few different stages, services, or customer segments? You can almost always handle that with smarter use of fields and layout rules.
Final Thought
CRMs should make life easier, not harder.
Unless you’re dealing with truly distinct processes that justify the complexity, stick to a single layout. Build smarter logic into it. And save yourself from the headache of maintaining three versions of everything.
