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Version: Version 22

Custom Layout

Introduction​

What is the Custom Layout Tab? The Custom Layout tab in the Portfolio functionality of Fortes Change Cloud is a flexible workspace that allows users to design and configure personalized views of portfolio data. It enables the creation of tailored layouts by placing canvas segments on the page. These canvas segments can display diverse information and can be positioned the way you want, giving you full control over how data is presented.

Who Uses It? The Custom Layout tab is used by a variety of roles who require tailored access to portfolio data, including:

  • Portfolio Managers, to create strategic overviews that highlight key metrics and priorities.
  • PMO Teams, to design governance-focused layouts that support compliance and oversight.
  • Program and Project Managers, to build operational views that track progress, risks, and dependencies.
  • Executives and Stakeholders, to access simplified, high-level views aligned with strategic goals.

What Value Does It Deliver? The Custom Layout tab delivers value by:

  • Enhancing flexibility: Allows users to configure views that reflect their unique needs and responsibilities.
  • Improving focus: Helps teams concentrate on the most relevant data by filtering out unnecessary information.
  • Supporting better decision-making: Provides customized insights that align with specific strategic or operational questions.
  • Boosting efficiency: Reduces time spent navigating through generic views by offering direct access to tailored layouts.

What is the goal of the Custom Layout tab?​

The Custom Layout tab can be used to create the overview you were missing in the Portfolio app. Use the tab to display information specifically relevant to your organization, or to display issues, risks, and other data on one page. A layout is created by placing canvas segments on the page. These canvas segments can display diverse information and can be positioned the way you want.

Note: The Custom Layout pages may only be editable through the Portfolio Model. This should then be done by the portfolio model administrator.

Available canvas segment types​

A layout is built by combining different canvas segments. Each segment has its own purpose and functionality.

Fields​

The Fields segment can be used to add various fields to the layout. These are fields such as end date, start date, and rank. It is an easy way to quickly display information about a portfolio item. The list of fields consists of standard fields (set by default in Fortes Change Cloud) and Custom Fields (fields specific to a project or portfolio within your organization).

List​

The List segment allows you to create your own overview with different columns. Different object types, such as goals or actions, can be added. This segment type is mainly used to create an overview that does not yet exist. List segments support sorting and filtering:

  • Sorting: Choose a field to sort by default and specify ascending or descending order. You can also configure whether the end user is allowed to modify the sorting.
  • Fixed filter: Set a fixed filter in the segment configuration so the end user sees a pre-filtered set of items. Note that when a fixed filter is applied, the Add button is no longer available in the list segment.
  • Detail dialog: Enable the option Show link to detail dialog in the segment settings so users can click an item name to open a detail page with all fields. The detail dialog can be customized via the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.

Graphical segments​

The following graphical segments are available to present data visually on the Custom Layout tab:

  • Sphere diagram
  • Bar chart
  • Bullet diagram
  • Funnel graph
  • Pie chart
  • Text with formatting
  • Risk matrix
  • Treemap

How to use the Custom Layout tab​

  1. Decide which information should be displayed. You can choose to display general information, a financial overview, or information that is relevant for all members of the portfolio.

  2. Add canvas segments by clicking Customize page and then + Add segment. Choose the desired segment type and add it to the page.

    • Drag-and-drop the segment to move it. Use the right-bottom corner to change the size of the segment.
    • Use consistent colors for segments that contain related information to improve the overview.

  3. Save the page by clicking Save.

  4. Fill in the information as desired. Note that some information cannot be edited on this page or is filled in automatically. For example, certain dates may only be editable at portfolio level.

For more information about canvases and segment types, see Canvases.

Best practices​

  • Keep each segment focused on a clear purpose to prevent the layout from becoming cluttered.
  • Use help texts on segments to guide users on what to fill in and why.
  • Leverage colors and icons to make important information easy to spot.
  • Use list segments with fixed filters when you want to show a specific subset of data without allowing users to add items directly.
  • Manage Custom Layout pages through the Portfolio Model to ensure consistency across portfolios.

FAQ​

Who can edit the Custom Layout tab? The Custom Layout pages may only be editable through the Portfolio Model by the portfolio model administrator.

Which segment types are available? You can use Fields, List, graphical segments (sphere diagram, bar chart, bullet diagram, funnel graph, pie chart, text with formatting, risk matrix, treemap), Financial estimate, and Objectives estimate.

Can I sort and filter items in a list segment? Yes. List segments support default sorting (ascending or descending) and fixed filters. You can also configure whether the end user is allowed to adjust the sorting.

Can I open a detail page from a list segment? Yes. Enable Show link to detail dialog in the segment settings. Users can then click an item name to open the detail page directly.

Is the Custom Layout tab also available in the Project app? Yes. A similar Custom Layout tab is available in the Project app, using the Fields and List segment types.

Need more support?​

Contact your Fortes Change Cloud administrator or consult the online knowledge base for more step-by-step configuration guides.