What Is a Record Type in Salesforce?

A record type lets one object behave differently for different business processes - different page layouts, different picklist values, and different default v

Updated 2026-09-09

A record type lets one object behave differently for different business processes - different page layouts, different picklist values, and different default values for the same object.

In more detail

Record types are assigned to profiles or permission sets, and each assignment maps a record type to a page layout.

They filter picklist values, which is their most useful and most frequently forgotten property: a value can exist on the field but be unavailable in a record type.

Why it matters for admins

  • A missing picklist value is usually a record type assignment issue, not a field issue.
  • Record types multiply layout maintenance, so adding one has an ongoing cost.
  • Reports and list views can filter by record type, which makes them useful for segmenting one object cleanly.

Frequently asked questions

Can a user have access to multiple record types?
Yes. Access is granted per profile or permission set, and a default is chosen per user for new records.
Do record types affect SOQL?
Only as data - RecordTypeId is a queryable field. SOQL does not filter picklist values the way the UI does.

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