ERPNext Build Module is the best set of tools for making and customising apps.
The ERPNext Build Module is a powerful development environment built into ERPNext. It lets businesses create new apps, customise modules, automate workflows, build reports, design print formats, and extend ERPNext without using any outside tools.
It is designed for businesses, developers, and system administrators who want to customise ERPNext according to their unique needs.
This module gives complete control over DocTypes, Scripts, Workflows, Print Formats, Custom Fields, Reports, Workspaces, Dashboards, Modules, and Packages—making it a true no-code, low-code, and full-code platform.
ERPNext Build has everything needed to make a small change or a full application in one place.
1. Get Started — Tools to Start Making Changes
The Build Module begins with important development tools:
DocType
Create database structures and business objects such as forms, entries, and master data.
It includes:
- Field Types
- Validation
- Permissions
- Naming Series
- Child Tables
- Custom Logic Hooks
This is the core of ERPNext development.
Customize Form
Modify existing ERPNext forms without touching the core code:
- Add Fields
- Hide Fields
- Reorder Sections
- Set Mandatory Fields
- Change Labels
Perfect for businesses to customise ERPNext quickly.
Print Format Builder
A drag-and-drop tool used to create:
- Invoices
- Quotations
- Purchase Orders
- Certificates
- Custom Documents
You can control layout, fonts, tables, and branding.
Server Script
Add backend logic using Python-like scripts:
- Auto Calculations
- Auto Document Creation
- Validations
- API Calls
- Background Jobs
Allows deep customisation without modifying ERPNext core.
Client Script
Use JavaScript to customise the front-end:
- Auto-fill Fields
- Show/Hide Sections
- Dynamic Form Updates
- Validations
- Trigger Actions
Great for user experience enhancement.
System Settings
Control global behavior of your custom application—enable/disable features, default values, and backend configurations.
2. Parts to Build Your App — Everything You Need
The Build module includes all components required to build complete ERP applications.
Models
DocType
Create custom data models that act as tables and forms.
Examples:
- Vehicle Management
- Student Inquiry
- Maintenance Checklist
- Asset Document
Replaces writing database tables manually.
Workflow
Define approval processes:
- Multi-level Approvals
- Role-based Actions
- Automatic Status Updates
- Color-coded States
Used in Purchase Orders, Leave Applications, Sales Invoices, etc.
Views
These tools control how users interact with the system.
Report
Build:
- Query Reports
- Script Reports
- Custom Reports
- List View Customizations
Perfect for analytics and decisions.
Print Format
Create customer-facing documents.
Workspace
Customize left-side menu pages:
- Shortcuts
- Reports
- New Pages
- Dashboards
Department-based workspaces:
- HR Workspace
- Accounts Workspace
- CEO Dashboard
- Sales Workspace
Dashboard & Dashboard Chart
Visual display of KPIs:
- Sales Performance
- Profit Tracking
- Inventory Levels
- Attendance
- Project Health
Charts can be created using report or query data.
Customisation
ERPNext Build allows deep customisation without editing core code.
Custom Field
Add new fields to any document:
- Text
- Dropdown
- Link
- Table
- Attachment
- Checkbox
Useful for unique business needs.
Custom Translation
Add multi-language support:
- Urdu
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Spanish
Translate ERP labels & system messages.
Navbar Settings
Modify top navigation bar:
- Add Menus
- Add Links
- Shortcuts
- Organize Modules
Scripting
Server Script
Powerful backend automation:
- Auto-create Sales Invoice from Delivery Note
- Modify Stock Ledger Entries
- Validations Before Save
- Create API Endpoints
- Scheduled Jobs
Client Script
Used for interactive UI actions:
- Auto-fill Customer Info
- Pop-up Alerts
- Auto-set Dates
- Restrict Field Visibility
- Trigger Button Actions
Modules
Module Def
Create new modules for custom apps:
- Logistics Module
- Clinic Management
- School System
- Facility Booking
- Helpdesk Lite
Modules keep features organized separately.
Module Onboarding
Define onboarding steps:
- Setup Wizard
- Step-by-step Instructions
- Interactive Popups
- Quick Setup Templates
Packages
Package Creation
Create shareable app packages:
- Custom ERP Apps
- Themes
- Extensions
- Localization Packages
- Industry-specific Modules
Useful for marketplace apps.
Package Import
Import ready-made packages with one click.
What Makes the ERPNext Build Module So Powerful
✔ Complete no-code + low-code suite
✔ Build complex business apps without external IDE
✔ Customisation for any industry
✔ All changes stay safe after version upgrades
✔ Secure role-based permissions
✔ One platform for UI + backend + database
✔ Perfect for developers & non-technical users
✔ Cost-saving compared to external platforms
Use Cases — Who Needs the Build Module?
Ideal for:
- Developers
- ERP Administrators
- IT Managers
- Consultants
- System Implementers
- Businesses needing custom workflows
- Organizations migrating from other ERPs
- Educational Institutions
Examples:
- Custom HR System
- Inventory Extensions
- API Integrations
- Custom Dashboards
- Industry-specific Apps
- Data Migration Tools
- Logistics Routing Module
Conclusion: You Can Build Anything You Imagine in ERPNext
The ERPNext Build Module is a complete development studio inside your ERP system. It lets you:
- Build custom DocTypes
- Create Workflows
- Design Dashboards
- Develop Scripts
- Build complete Apps
This module transforms ERPNext from a standard system into a fully customized, feature-rich, business-specific solution.
No matter the industry or requirement—ERPNext Build empowers you to build powerful digital systems without large development costs.