Custom Objects in Salesforce are user-defined database tables that allow administrators to store and manage data specific to their organization's unique business requirements. Unlike Standard Objects (such as Accounts, Contacts, and Opportunities) that come pre-built with Salesforce, Custom Objects…Custom Objects in Salesforce are user-defined database tables that allow administrators to store and manage data specific to their organization's unique business requirements. Unlike Standard Objects (such as Accounts, Contacts, and Opportunities) that come pre-built with Salesforce, Custom Objects are created to capture information that doesn't fit into existing structures.
In Object Manager, administrators can create and configure Custom Objects by defining various components. Each Custom Object requires a Label (singular and plural names), an Object Name (API name), and a Record Name field that serves as the primary identifier for each record.
Key features of Custom Objects include:
1. Custom Fields: Add fields of various data types (text, number, date, picklist, formula, lookup, master-detail) to capture specific data points.
2. Page Layouts: Control which fields appear on record pages and in what arrangement, ensuring users see relevant information.
3. Record Types: Enable different business processes, picklist values, and page layouts for the same object based on user profiles.
4. Validation Rules: Enforce data quality by requiring specific criteria before records can be saved.
5. Relationships: Connect Custom Objects to other objects through Lookup or Master-Detail relationships, creating data associations.
6. Triggers and Automation: Implement business logic through Process Builder, Flows, or Apex triggers.
In Lightning App Builder, Custom Objects can be incorporated into Lightning Pages, allowing administrators to display Custom Object records, related lists, and reports within custom applications. This enables a tailored user experience that aligns with business workflows.
Custom Objects support features like sharing rules, field-level security, and record-level security, giving administrators granular control over data access. They can also be included in reports, dashboards, and list views, providing comprehensive data analysis capabilities. Custom Objects are essential for extending Salesforce functionality beyond its standard offerings.
Custom Objects in Salesforce: Complete Guide for Administrators
What Are Custom Objects?
Custom Objects are database tables that you create in Salesforce to store information specific to your organization's unique business needs. While Salesforce provides Standard Objects like Accounts, Contacts, and Opportunities out of the box, Custom Objects allow you to extend the platform to track virtually any type of data relevant to your business.
Custom Objects are identified by the __c suffix in their API names (for example, Project__c or Invoice__c).
Why Are Custom Objects Important?
Custom Objects are fundamental to Salesforce customization because they:
• Enable business-specific data tracking - Store unique information that Standard Objects cannot accommodate • Maintain data relationships - Connect to other objects through relationships (Lookup, Master-Detail, Hierarchical) • Support automation - Work with workflows, Process Builder, Flow, and Apex triggers • Integrate with reports and dashboards - Allow comprehensive data analysis • Extend application functionality - Enable building complete business applications on the platform
How Custom Objects Work
When you create a Custom Object, Salesforce automatically generates:
• A database table to store records • Standard fields (Name, Created By, Last Modified By, Owner) • A tab for navigation (optional) • Page layouts for record display • Search layouts • List views
Key Components of Custom Objects:
1. Object Definition Settings: - Label and Plural Label - Object Name (API Name) - Record Name field and data type (Text or Auto Number) - Description and Context-Sensitive Help
2. Optional Features: - Allow Reports - Allow Activities - Track Field History - Allow in Chatter Feeds - Allow Search - Allow Sharing - Allow Bulk API Access - Allow Streaming API Access
3. Deployment Status: - In Development (hidden from users) - Deployed (visible to users with permissions)
Required steps: 1. Enter Label and Plural Label 2. Choose Record Name field type 3. Select optional features 4. Set deployment status 5. Save the object 6. Add custom fields 7. Create relationships to other objects 8. Configure page layouts 9. Set up security (profiles, permission sets, OWD)
Relationship Types for Custom Objects
Lookup Relationship: - Loosely coupled relationship - Child records remain if parent is deleted - No cascading sharing or security - Can be optional or required
Master-Detail Relationship: - Tightly coupled relationship - Child records are deleted when parent is deleted - Security and sharing inherited from parent - Roll-up summary fields are available - Required field (cannot be blank)
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Custom Objects
Tip 1: Know the Limits - Enterprise Edition allows up to 200 Custom Objects - Unlimited Edition allows up to 2,000 Custom Objects - Each object can have up to 500 custom fields
Tip 2: Understand Deployment Status - Questions often test whether users can see objects based on deployment status - Objects in Development status are only visible to administrators
Tip 3: Relationship Selection - When questions mention roll-up summary fields, the answer requires Master-Detail relationship - When questions emphasize flexibility or optional relationships, Lookup is typically correct
Tip 4: Record Name Field - Auto Number is useful for unique identifiers (like case numbers) - Text allows users to enter meaningful names - This cannot be changed after creation in production
Tip 5: Security Considerations - Object-level security is controlled by profiles and permission sets - Record-level security involves OWD, sharing rules, and manual sharing - Master-Detail children inherit parent security settings
Tip 6: Common Scenario Questions - When asked about tracking company-specific data not in Standard Objects, Custom Objects are the answer - When asked about maintaining data integrity between related records, consider relationship types carefully
Tip 7: Watch for Trick Questions - Custom Objects require appropriate permissions to be visible to users - Creating an object does not automatically make it accessible to all users - Tab visibility must also be configured for navigation access