---
title: "Optimizing form layouts using Pathfinder"
slug: "organize-form-layouts-using-pathfinder"
status: "new"
updated: 2026-10-27T09:03:09Z
published: 2026-10-27T09:03:09Z
canonical: "docs.lobstersoftware.com/organize-form-layouts-using-pathfinder"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.lobstersoftware.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Optimizing form layouts using Pathfinder

This guide describes how to optimize the layout of an Input form, a portal, a widget, or a dashboard with Pathfinder and how to check the result.

> [!WARNING]
> **WARNING:** Pathfinder is an AI function and can make mistakes. Check the optimized layout before you publish the form.

## Prerequisites

- Pathfinder is activated for your organization.
- The form contains more than one element. Otherwise, the **Optimize Layout** button is deactivated, and a tooltip indicates that more elements are required.

## Procedure

1. Open the form in the Form editor. **NOTE:** Depending on the type, this editor is called “Form editor”, “Editor”, or “Designer” in the user interface.
2. Open the **Pathfinder** tab.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/4be90b94-ec83-41d8-963e-962df16110d4/Images/Documentation/image-5RLJHH64.png)
3. Click **Optimize Layout**.

**NOTE:**
  - You cannot edit the form while processing is in progress.
  - If the optimization fails, an error message appears. The existing layout remains unchanged.
4. Check the result in the form area and edit it if required.

**NOTE:** **Undo** and **Redo** remain available until you edit the form manually or save it.
5. Save and publish the form.

## Result

Pathfinder has rearranged the existing elements. Colors, fonts, and spacing are taken from the existing style properties. All elements and their configuration remain unchanged. You can adjust the layout further afterward. If you change the style properties later, the form applies the new values automatically.![](https://cdn.document360.io/4be90b94-ec83-41d8-963e-962df16110d4/Images/Documentation/image-TZ31O6JQ.png)

An input form is used to enter, view, and edit entity data. Examples of entities include purchase orders and shipments. Users create input forms in the form designer. When opened, the form automatically loads the associated data.

Lobster Data Platform's AI helper that answers questions based on product documentation and can generate content such as cron expressions, SQL queries, and regular expressions (regex). The range of functions is continuously expanded.