The New Layout: Vertical Menu is Here
The most noticeable change in Odoo 17 is the **vertical sidebar menu** — a welcome improvement for usability. Instead of a horizontal row of apps, you now see a vertical stack on the left side of the screen.
Benefits:
- Faster access to apps — no more scrolling sideways
- Better use of screen space, especially on wide monitors
- Cleaner layout that feels like a modern SaaS dashboard
This design change is especially useful for users managing 10+ apps or switching between multiple roles (e.g., Sales + Accounting).
Faster Navigation with the App Switcher
The app switcher has also been revamped in Odoo 17:
- Click the grid icon on the sidebar to open all installed apps
- Search and pin frequently used apps
- Admins can manage app access directly from this menu
Pro Tip: You can also hit Ctrl + K to open the global command palette for even quicker navigation.
Mobile-Friendly and Responsive Design
Odoo 17 brings major UI responsiveness improvements:
- Menus collapse neatly on tablets and phones
- Touch-friendly buttons and fields
- POS and CRM apps feel more like mobile-native tools
If your team is often on the move (sales reps, field service, delivery), they'll notice the improved usability instantly.
Workspaces and Views: List, Kanban, Calendar & More
Most Odoo apps support multiple workspace views:
- 📋 List View: For data-heavy modules like Accounting, Inventory
- 🧱 Kanban View: Great for CRM pipelines, Projects, and Tasks
- 📆 Calendar View: Used in Time Off, Appointments, and Meetings
- 📊 Graph View: Quick visual reporting across apps
You can switch views with a single click — and Odoo remembers your preferred layout.
Power User Tips and Shortcuts
Once you're comfortable with the interface, try these:
- 🔍 Use the global search bar (top center) to find records across all apps
- ⭐ Bookmark frequent records or reports by clicking the star icon
- 🔧 Enable "Developer Mode" to access technical options and debug tools
- ⚙️ Adjust personal settings like language, timezone, and theme from your user profile
Odoo 17 is designed to work the way you do — the more you personalize it, the faster you'll work.
Upgrader's Note: What's Different from v16 or Older?
- 🧭 The **top menu is gone** — replaced by a collapsible sidebar
- 🕛 **Sidebar icons** are now faster to click and support drag-and-drop
- 🎯 More consistent UI across desktop and mobile
- ⚡ Better load performance and screen transitions
If you're upgrading, prepare your team for the UI change — but expect faster adoption thanks to the modern layout.
Conclusion
Odoo 17 delivers one of the cleanest and most efficient user interfaces in the ERP world. Whether you're new or upgrading, the new navigation system, responsive design, and shortcut options make daily work more productive — and more enjoyable.
Want to train your team on Odoo 17's new UI? We offer onboarding workshops and walkthroughs — tailored to your business.
