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How to Add Table (Line Items) in a Custom Module in Vtiger 7 Open Source
Introduction
If you are working with Vtiger 7 Open Source, sooner or later you’ll face this requirement:
“I need a table (line items) inside my custom module, similar to Products or Services.”
This guide explains the correct and scalable ways to add table-style data inside a custom module — without breaking upgrades or performance.
Why Vtiger Custom Modules Don’t Have Tables by Default
In Vtiger Open Source:
- Only Inventory modules (Quotes, Sales Orders, Invoices) support native line items
- Normal custom modules are single-record based
- Adding a table requires designing a one-to-many structure
Trying to force a table directly into a module usually causes:
- Upgrade issues
- Data inconsistency
- UI bugs
That’s why Vtiger recommends structured approaches.
Recommended Approach: Use a Related (Child) Module (Best Practice)
This is the most stable and upgrade-safe method.
Concept
- Parent module → main record
- Child module → table rows (multiple records)
- Relationship → One-to-Many
This behaves exactly like a table.
Example Use Cases
- Expense module → Expense Items
- Installation module → Installed Components
- Project module → Project Tasks
- Asset module → Asset History
Step-by-Step: Create Table Using Related Module
Step 1: Create the Parent Custom Module
Create your main module using Module Manager or Module Builder.
Example:
Module name:
Installations
Create another module that will act as table rows.
Example:
Module name:
Installation ItemsFields:
Item Name (Text)
Quantity (Number)
Description (Text Area)
Each record = one row in the table.
Step 2: Create the Child Module (Table Rows)
Create another module that will act as table rows.
Example:
- Module name: Installation Items
- Fields:
- Item Name (Text)
- Quantity (Number)
- Description (Text Area)
Each record = one row in the table.
Step 3: Create One-to-Many Relationship
Go to:
Settings → Module Management → Module Manager → Layouts & Fields → Related Lists
- Parent Module: Installations
- Related Module: Installation Items
- Relation Type: One to Many
This automatically:
- Displays child records in a table
- Adds Add/Edit/Delete actions
Step 4: Display as a Table (UI Optimization)
To make it look like a proper table:
- Enable List View columns
- Reorder fields logically
- Disable unnecessary fields
Result: Clean table-style layout inside Detail View.
Alternative Approach: Custom Table + UI Customization
This method should be used only in rare cases.
When It Makes Sense
Fixed number of rows
Read‑only data
Data generated externally
Reporting‑only modules
Why It’s Risky
Requires overriding Vtiger templates
Breaks easily during upgrades
No native permissions or audit tracking
Higher maintenance cost
Technical Overview (Advanced Users Only)
This approach involves:
Creating a custom DB table
Linking it via record ID
Overriding:
DetailView.tplEditView.tpl
Writing custom save logic
Use this only when related modules are not feasible.
Need This Implemented in Your Vtiger CRM?
At Joobilant, we specialize in:
- Custom Vtiger module development
- One-to-many table-style modules
- Clean UI and upgrade-safe solutions
- Vtiger CRM Open Source Extensions
If you need this implemented properly — without breaking your CRM — we can help.
👉 Contact us for Vtiger Open Source custom development.
Final Thoughts
If you want a table inside a custom module in Vtiger 7 Open Source, the related module approach is the right solution.
It’s scalable, clean, searchable, and future-proof — exactly what Vtiger expects.
This guide is based on real-world Vtiger Open Source implementations and best practices.
Recommended Plugin
Vtiger Module builder + Relationship builder
Create custom modules, fields, and relationships in Vtiger without writing complex code. Ideal for building parent–child modules used for table-style data.
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