Change Template Header Field Ordering

Hi Big_W,

It seems like this is a duplicate post. My colleague already posted their response with your concern.

You can click this link to view their reply: https://quickbooks.intuit.com/learn-support/en-us/other-questions/template-columns-won-t-order-corre....

Feel free to post again if you have other concerns. Keep safe!

@Adrian_A It is not a duplicate post. It is a complete separate issue. The post you linked was about printed form ordering of columns. This post is about the order of fields when working in Quickbooks itself. Compare the screenshots.

Thanks for getting back here, @Big_W.

The option to move the header in QuickBooks Desktop is only available in the Print view by clicking the Layout Designer button. 

Here's how:

1. Go to the Lists menu and choose Templates.
2. Click the Sales Order form you want to change or you can also create a new one by clicking the Templates drop-down and select New.
3. Select the Additional Customization button.
4. Then, tick the box of the fields you want to include in the form (P.O. No, Terms, Rep, Ship Via, FOB, Equipment, Ordered by)
5. Once done, select the Layout Designer to reorder the header. You only need to drag the boxes so you can change the order. 
6. Hit OK and then OK again to confirm the action.

Here's the article that will provide more details about the process: Use and customize form templates. 

Also, in QuickBooks, you have the option to export or import form templates. To do so, please refer to the steps below:

Import

1. From the Lists menu, select Templates.
2. Choose the Templates dropdown, hit Import.
3. Select the template you want to import, then click Open.
4. Name the imported template. You can keep the original name or change it.
5. Tap OK. You should now see the imported template on the template list.

Export

1. Navigate to the Lists menu, choose Templates.
2. Click the template you want to export.
3. Hit the Templates dropdown, then Export.
4. Verify the file name and choose the location of the file on your computer.
5. Tap Save.

Don't hesitate to leave a comment below if you have further concerns about customizing your templates in QuickBooks, @Big_W. I'm always around to help you out. Stay safe.

@DivinaMercy_N thanks for your reply!

I don't think you understand my current problem. I'm talking about this screen in Quickbooks, and the order in which the fields I've indicated in the red rectangle are ordered. How can I rearrange them? Why don't they go in order when I hit tab while working? As far as I've seen, the numbering in the template editor only changes the printed or .pdf copy layout which is a different animal. 

Screenshot

I can share some information about how template customization works in QuickBooks Desktop, Big_W.

Currently, we're unable to rearrange the custom headers in the program. The arrangement of the headers on your screen is based on the way they're listed from the Additional Customization window. You can refer to my screenshot below:

By default, pressing the Tab key should move the cursor to the next field. If you've noticed that it's skipping several columns and headers, we can try running the repair tool for QuickBooks Desktop. It could be that some components of the program are damaged that's why the Tab key isn't working properly. 

Here's how to do it:

1. Back up your company file.
2. Restart your computer to close all the programs that may affect the repair.
3. Open the Windows Start menu, then select Control Panel.
4. Choose Programs and Features then select Uninstall a Program.
5. Select QuickBooks from the list, then click Uninstall/Change.
6. Hit Continue or Next.
7. Select Repair, then Next.
8. Once it's done, click Finish.
9. You may have to restart your computer to complete the repair.
10. Update your QuickBooks to the latest release to get the latest patches and security updates.

Additionally, here's an article that you can read to help personalize the sales forms so your customers will recognize your brand: Use and customize form templates.
 

If I can be of any additional assistance please don't hesitate to insert a comment below. Have a great rest of the day.

Thanks for the reply @KlentB 

Unfortunately, it seems as though that my headers aren't following the ordering you described as shown here in the below screenshots. I've tried running the repair tool to no avail.

Additional Customization

Sales Order

Thanks for keeping us posted, Big_W.

I do appreciate your time and effort in performing the steps provided by my colleague and running the repair tool. We're unable to change the order of your columns. I'll take note of this suggestion for feature updates. Also, if the fields in the header portion of the template are not displaying as expected, I'd suggest reaching out to our Phone Support Team. They can walk you through advanced troubleshooting steps aside from running the repair tool. 

Here's how to contact us:

1. Go to the Help menu and click QuickBooks Desktop Help.
2. Select Contact Us.
3. Enter a brief description of your concern something like header fields are not in order as usual.
4. Click Continue and select the best way you'll want to connect with us.

For more details about our availability, you can check our support hours and types page.

If you have other questions, you can always post them here. You take care and have a great day!