Long forms can be difficult for users to work with when too many fields are shown in one place. Users may need to scroll too much, miss important fields, or spend extra time finding the information they need.
Subtabs can help organize related fields into cleaner sections, making forms easier to read and use.
Scenario
An admin reviews a custom form that has grown over time.
The form may include fields for:
- general information
- approval details
- compliance tracking
- internal notes
- audit fields
- integration references
- reporting values
Because all fields are shown together, users may find the form cluttered or confusing.
Solution
Use subtabs to group related fields into logical sections.
Instead of placing every field in one long form area, organize fields by purpose. This helps users focus on the section they need and makes the form easier to navigate.
Example Subtab Layout
A long vendor review form may use subtabs such as:
- Primary Information – Basic vendor details and key entry fields.
- Compliance – Compliance status, expiration date, reviewer, and notes.
- Approval – Approval status, approver, approval date, and approval reason.
- Internal Notes – Review comments and follow-up notes.
- System Information – Integration IDs, script flags, or admin-only fields.
This layout keeps related fields together and reduces visual clutter.
Why It Helps
Subtabs can help:
- reduce scrolling
- group related information
- make forms easier to scan
- improve user entry flow
- separate user fields from admin fields
- make review and troubleshooting easier
References
- SA: Custom Forms (Answer Id: 10117)
- SA: Setting Display Options for Custom Fields (Answer Id: 10097)
- SA: Creating Custom Subtabs (ID: 10114)
- SA: Creating a Custom List (ID: 10069)
Notes
- Group fields by business purpose.
- Put the most commonly used fields near the top or on the main area.
- Avoid creating too many subtabs.
- Use clear subtab names users will understand.
- Keep admin or system fields separate from user entry fields.
- Test the form with the roles that will use it.
- Review the layout again as new fields are added.
Summary
Subtabs can make long NetSuite forms easier to read by organizing fields into logical sections. This helps users find the information they need, reduces clutter, and improves the overall form experience.
A clean subtab layout can make forms easier to maintain and easier for users to complete accurately.
Share your insights and experiences in the NetSuite Admin Corner.
