Using and Creating Views in Dynamics 365

When working with a Dynamics 365 app, it helps to set up your workspace so that the info you need is there as soon as it opens. You can do that by creating dynamic views within your specific instance of Dynamics 365. This guide goes over creating dynamic views within various Dynamics 365 applications. In addition, this article touches on changing the look of reports and documents that you can easily pull and display within your workspace.

How Do You Create Views?

System views get set up by admins as list pages to let users see essential information from underlying system tables. Those views are available to users based on business needs through Role Center. Users can personalize the layout of the list pages to see the information pertinent to their job role by applying filters, then saving them as individual views.

For example, to set up a personalized view through Business Central, you can:

1. Open your desired list page.
2. Choose the filter icon.
3. Create a new filter.
4. Hit the Save icon after you’ve set up the view.
5. Enter a name for your view in the “All (Copy)” field, then Enter press.
6. Press Enter again to save your view.

As a user, you can now access these personal views anytime you wish. If you decide you want to rename your view, select the Rename action. If you want to get rid of a view, select the Remove option.

How Do You Modify Views?

Below are more specific details on changing the look of views within your Dynamics 365 workspace.

Change Column Width for Views

You can resize the columns within a list by using your mouse to drag the boundary between two columns either right or left within the header of a list. Alternatively, you can double-click the border between two columns in a list. That causes it to autofit to the contents within the column, resizing it for optimal readability.

Hide Columns Within Views

If you wish to conceal a column from view, place your arrowhead within the header, then select the Hide option. That way, you only see the information you feel is relevant to you as a business user. The item appears as a grayed element when you are in personalizing mode. To show the hidden field again, select the grayed element, then click Show.

Reorder Views Within Workspace

If you have multiple views within your workspace, you can arrange them in the most visually appealing order. First, select the arrowhead located next to the view. Next, choose Move to position it where you wish in your workspace.

How Do You Change Your Report and Document Layout?

You can use the layout controls within Dynamics 365 Business Central to change the appearance of reports and documents, including modifying the information they display. Every report starts as a default Word or RDLC document. To begin customizing the look of a report, create a copy of an existing report or document layout. You can also choose to build a new one from scratch.

1. Select the Report Layout Selection. You should see all the reports available to your company.
2. Pick a report for which you wish to create a layout, then select Custom Layout. You can also make a copy of an existing report by clicking on it, then picking Copy.
3. If you want to add a new layout based on an existing one, select the New action. That should prompt the appearance of the Insert Built-in Layout for a Report page.
4. To add a custom Word report layout, select the Insert Word Layout option. If you’d rather use an RDLC layout, pick the Insert RDLC Layout option. Click OK after making your selection.

Your new report layout should appear within your Custom Reports Layouts page. Once you’re there, you can now make any necessary changes or update the document as needed. In addition, you can use your new layout as a template to build additional new reports quickly.

Bookmarking Reports in Role Center

Use the bookmark icon to add actions that let you quickly open a report using the navigation menu within Role Center. In addition, you can use bookmarks to quickly access other business content. The bookmark icon is in the top right corner of a page. You can also find the bookmark icon in the Tell Me window, where you can add multiple bookmarks for pages or reports.

To set up a bookmark for a report:

1. Open a report request page that you’d like to link within Role Center.
2. Choose the bookmark icon.

You should see a new action appear within your navigation menu with the name of your report.

Get the Most from Dynamics 365

Many organizations barely end up scratching the surface of the capabilities provided by Dynamics 365 Software. Internet eBusiness Solutions can help you optimize your use of Dynamics 365 to benefit your organization. Reach out to one of our technology specialists at any time to set up a consultation.