Custom Links in Salesforce are user-defined links that can be added to any record page to help users quickly navigate to specific places within or outside the Salesforce platform. Whether it’s an internal tool, an external website, or even another Salesforce record, custom links help streamline processes and improve accessibility.

Why Custom Links Are Important

Custom Links are essential because they provide users with instant access to frequently used resources, reducing the time spent searching for data or tools. By guiding users with direct links, you minimize navigation errors and improve productivity, making your Salesforce environment more user-friendly.

How Custom Links Enhance User Experience

Custom links create an intuitive user experience by connecting users to the exact information or tool they need in a single click. This enhances the overall usability of Salesforce, reduces user frustration, and allows teams to be more productive by minimizing the number of steps needed to access critical resources.

Types of Custom Links in Salesforce

There are two main types of custom links in Salesforce:

Internal Links

Internal links navigate within Salesforce itself. These can be used to link to a specific record, a report, a Visualforce page, or even a different Salesforce app within your organization.

External Links

External links take users outside of Salesforce, such as linking to a corporate website, a support page, or a third-party tool.

Use Cases for Custom Links

Custom links are versatile and can be applied in various scenarios. Here are a few common use cases:

Linking to Visualforce Pages

If your organization uses Visualforce pages for custom functionality, adding a custom link to a relevant record page can streamline access.

Linking to External Websites

For instance, if a Salesforce user needs to access an external support portal or company website frequently, custom links provide direct access without having to leave Salesforce to manually input the URL.

How to Create Custom Links in Salesforce

Creating custom links is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Custom Link

Login to Salesforce Account

Click gear icon Navigation  to Salesforce Setup

Select an Object Manager

Select an Object

Select Button, Action and Links

New Button or Link

Add details

Select URL

Select page layout

Create Custom links

Best Practices for Using Custom Links

While creating custom links is simple, following best practices ensures they remain effective and user-friendly:

• Keep URLs Updated: Ensure the destination of your custom links remains valid over time.
• Use Descriptive Names: Choose meaningful names for your custom links to help users understand where the link will take them.
• Test the Links: Before rolling out custom links to the team, test them thoroughly to ensure they lead to the intended destination.

Custom Links in Salesforce Lightning vs. Classic

The process for creating and managing custom links remains consistent between Salesforce Classic and Lightning. However, the user experience differs slightly due to the design and layout of Lightning. Custom links in Lightning are typically easier to access and more integrated into the flow of the page.

Custom Links vs. Quick Actions

While both custom links and quick actions enhance user productivity, they serve different purposes. Custom links are straightforward and serve as navigational tools. Quick actions, on the other hand, allow users to perform specific actions such as creating records or updating fields without leaving the current page.

Security Considerations for Custom Links

Security is paramount in Salesforce, and custom links are no exception. Ensure that the destination URLs are safe and trusted. Additionally, it’s important to avoid exposing sensitive data through URLs, especially when using external links.

Custom Links in Reports and Dashboards

Custom links can also be included in Salesforce reports and dashboards. This allows users to navigate directly from a report or dashboard to a related page, enhancing data exploration and reporting efficiency.

Custom Links in AppExchange Packages

Custom links are frequently included in AppExchange packages to provide easy navigation between the packaged features and external resources. This helps users quickly adopt new tools and processes within the Salesforce ecosystem.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Custom Links

Sometimes, custom links may not work as intended due to changes in URLs or object permissions. Common issues include broken links, incorrect URLs, or visibility problems in page layouts. Regularly reviewing and updating your custom links helps maintain functionality.

Conclusion

Custom links in Salesforce are a simple but powerful tool that can dramatically improve user experience and productivity. By understanding how to create, use, and manage custom links effectively, you can unlock their full potential to optimize workflows and navigation in Salesforce.

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FAQs 

What is the difference between a custom link and a quick action in Salesforce?
A custom link directs users to another location, while a quick action allows users to perform tasks like creating a record or sending an email.

Can custom links be used in Salesforce reports?
Yes, custom links can be included in Salesforce reports, allowing users to click directly to relevant records or resources.

Are custom links supported in Salesforce Lightning?
Yes, custom links are fully supported in both Salesforce Lightning and Classic, though the user interface may vary.

How can I make sure my custom links are secure?
Always link to trusted, secure URLs and avoid exposing sensitive data through the URL string.

Can I update a custom link after it’s created?
Yes, you can edit custom links by going to the object manager and modifying the link in the Buttons, Links, and Actions section.

In our next blog post we will discuss about What is Compact Layout in Salesforce