Skip to main content

Working with Templates: Find NetSuite Field Names in the Template Builder

ExtendInsights Data Management | How to correlate NetSuite display names with field IDs

A field may appear under a different name in the Template Builder than it does on a NetSuite form. This is expected: standard fields are based on NetSuite field IDs, which may appear in a more readable format. Custom fields usually appear by their display name.

This is expected behavior.

Why Don’t the Field Names Match?

In NetSuite, every field has two identifiers:

  • Display Name
    What users see on the NetSuite form (for example, Entry No.)

  • Field ID
    The internal identifier used by NetSuite APIs (for example, tranid)

💡Note:

The template builder is driven by field IDs, but they may be displayed in a slightly more readable format.

⚠️ Important Naming Differences to Be Aware Of

  • Some field IDs appear with spaces in the template builder.

    • Example:

      • Field ID in NetSuite: tranid

      • Field name shown in template builder: Tran ID

  • Custom fields behave differently:

    • Custom fields typically appear using their UI (display) name,

    • Not the raw field ID (custbody_, custcol_, etc.)

This means:

  • For standard fields, search using the field ID concept (even if spacing differs).

  • For custom fields, search using the name shown on the NetSuite form.

🔍 How to Find a Field ID in NetSuite

Watch the video walkthrough or follow the steps below to identify the correct field ID.

Step 1: Open the Record in NetSuite

  • Navigate to the NetSuite record type you’re working with (for example, Journal Entry, Sales Order, Vendor Bill).

  • Open an existing record or start creating a new one.

Step 2: Click the Field Label

  • Hover over or click the field display name.

  • Look for the question mark ( ? ) icon next to the label.

Step 3: View the Field ID

  • Click the question mark icon.

  • Scroll to the bottom of the field help panel.

  • Locate the Field ID value.

Example

  • Display Name in NetSuite: Entry No.

  • Field ID: tranid

  • Template Builder Name: Tran ID

When building a template, search for Tran ID (not Entry No.).

This is the identifier ExtendInsights uses behind the scenes.

Make Templates Easier for End Users

After loading a template into Excel:

  • You can safely rename the column header (Row 2) to match the NetSuite display name.

  • This improves readability for end users.

  • Do not edit the hidden mapping row (Row 1) unless you are a power user.

⚠️ I Don’t See Field IDs in NetSuite

If you don’t see a Field ID when clicking the field label:

  • NetSuite may not be configured to display them.

➡️ Refer to the guide on how to expose NetSuite field IDs.

Related Reference: Field Type Cheat Sheet

If you’re working with custom fields, understanding field ID prefixes is also helpful.

➡️ See the NetSuite Custom Field Type Cheat Sheet (custbody_, custcol_, custentity_, etc.).

Need Help?

If you’re unsure which field to use:

📎 Include the record type and a screenshot of the NetSuite field, if possible.

Related Articles
Did this answer your question?