Related lists for related object data
Key Takeaway
A related list's label, custom buttons, and quick actions are defined on the related object, not the parent. In Lightning Experience, Basic List shows only the first four fields, so to show up to 10, select Enhanced List in the Lightning App Builder.
A related list shows records from a related object on a record page, such as the Contacts related list on an account. Admins decide which related lists appear and how they look. They use the page layout editor and, in Lightning Experience, the Lightning App Builder. Most scenarios come down to two questions: which tool controls the setting, and on which object the needed button, field, or label has to be defined.
What belongs on the related object
A related list appears on the parent record's page, but several of its parts are defined on the related object. For the Contacts related list on an account, Account is the parent and Contact is the related object.
- Label: the "Related List Label" is set on the related object's lookup or master-detail field, not on the parent. You can't rename a related list in its configuration window, so to rename it, edit the Related List Label on that field.
- Fields: except on junction object related lists, only fields from the related object can be added. If an expected field is missing from the field choices, check that it is defined on the related object.
- Custom buttons and quick actions: these must be defined on the related object, not the parent. A custom button also needs the "List Button" display type before it appears as an option.
Sam wants a Log Service Visit quick action on the Service Visits related list of a Vehicle record. Vehicle is the parent and Service Visit is the related object, so Sam creates the quick action on Service Visit. Sam also wants a custom button on the same related list. Sam creates the button on Service Visit and gives it the List Button display type, so the button appears as an option for the related list.