11 min read
Helpful NetSuite shortcuts and hints to make your day-to-day NetSuite tasks a breeze
Top Keyboard & Date Field Shortcuts
Essential Date Shortcuts
Save time manually typing dates in NetSuite. When focused in any standard month/day/year field, use these quick single-key shortcuts:
| Shortcut Key | Resulting Action |
| T | Enters Today's date |
| Y | Enters Yesterday's date |
| Shift + T | Enters Tomorrow's date |
| M | Enters the last day of the current month |
| P | Enters the first day of the previous month |
| L | Enters the last day of the previous month |
| + / - | Moves the date forward (+) or backward (-) by one day |
| Alt + Left/Right Arrow | Moves date forward/backward by one day |
| Alt + Shift + Left/Right Arrow | Moves date forward/backward by one full month |
| Alt + Home / Alt + End | Jumps to the first day or last day of the current month |
| Page Up / Page Down | Scrolls forward or backward month by month |
In-Field Inline Math Calculations
Stop switching back and forth between NetSuite and your desktop calculator! NetSuite allows you to perform inline arithmetic directly inside numeric fields (such as quantities, rates, or amounts).
Simply type your formula directly into the field and press Tab:
- Addition: 100+25 $\rightarrow$ automatically calculates 125
- Multiplication: 1500*.08 $\rightarrow$ automatically calculates 120
- Division: 2000/12 $\rightarrow$ automatically calculates 166.67
- Subtraction: 250-45 $\rightarrow$ automatically calculates 205
Subtab & Form Navigation
- Look for Visual Cues (Circles on Subtabs): Blue circles on subtabs indicate that data exists within that section—saving you from clicking into empty subtabs.
- Underlined Letter Access: Notice the underlined letter in a subtab name? Press Alt + [Underlined Letter] to jump directly to that subtab without reaching for your mouse.
- Mouse-Free Data Entry: Use Tab to advance to the next field, Shift + Tab to step backward, and Enter to submit or save records.
Global Search Power-User Hacks
Global Search Prefixes
Using Global Search (Alt + G) is fast, but adding prefixes cleans up clutter and isolates exact record types:
- emp: Employee
- cu: Customer
- so: Sales Order
- inv: Invoice
- est: Estimate / Quote
- it: Item
- fi: File
- ph: Phone Call
- exp: Expense Report
Example: Type so:1005 to skip all customer or vendor records with "1005" and pull up Sales Order #1005 directly.
Advanced Wildcards (*) and Recent Searches
- Targeted Matching: Use asterisks to search partial text strings (e.g., cu:smith*, so:*1005, or item:*bolt*).
- Saved Search Shortcuts: Type sea:%john to quickly pull up saved searches containing the word "John".
- Instant History: Click directly into the empty Global Search bar to immediately view your last 10 viewed records without typing a single character.
Workflows & Browser Productivity Tips
Master Multitasking with Tabs & Duplication
-
Open in New Tabs: Hold Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) while clicking any record link—or use your Middle Mouse Button—to open records in new tabs side-by-side without losing your main workspace.
-
Duplicate Records Quickly: Need to create a similar entry? Use the Make Copy action on existing Sales Orders, Purchase Orders, Estimates, or Customers to duplicate header and line-item details instantly.
-
Essential Browser Hotkeys:
- Ctrl/Cmd + T: Open a new tab
- Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + T: Reopen an accidentally closed tab
- Ctrl/Cmd + Tab: Switch quickly to the next open tab
Navigation & Dashboard Personalization
Shortcuts Portlet & Favorite Links
- Star Your Favorites (⭐): Click the star icon next to any menu link or record to pin it to your favorites for instant access.
- Turn Saved Searches into Shortcuts: Open a frequently referenced Saved Search once, click More $\rightarrow$ Add To Shortcuts, and access it from your dashboard in one click forever.
- Organize the Shortcuts Portlet: Click Set Up inside your Shortcuts Portlet to drag-and-drop links, rename labels, or set pages to open in a new browser tab.
Managing Dashboard Portlets
Keep your critical KPIs and reminders front and center:
- Adding Portlets: As long as your administrator has your dashboard unlocked, click Personalize Dashboard in the upper-right corner. Click or drag high-value portlets like KPI Meters, Trend Graphs, Reminders, and Custom Search Views onto your page.
- Hard Refresh: Press Ctrl + F5 (or Cmd + Shift + R on Mac) anytime to perform a hard refresh on your dashboard charts and reminders.
- Removing Portlets: Click the portlet icon in the Currently Used tab or click Remove in the portlet menu. (Note: Removing reminders or KPIs will stop associated email alerts).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the quickest keyboard shortcut to jump straight to NetSuite Global Search?
Press Alt + G on your keyboard from anywhere inside NetSuite to place your cursor directly into the Global Search bar.
Why is inline math not calculating in my NetSuite field?
Inline math functions only inside numeric data fields (such as quantity, amount, rate, or percentage fields). Ensure you press the Tab key to leave the field so NetSuite can auto-calculate your entry.
How do I remove duplicate links in my NetSuite Shortcuts Portlet?
If your administrator has published a system dashboard with shortcuts that match your custom links, duplicate items may appear. To clean this up, open Set Up in your Shortcuts Portlet menu and remove your matching custom entry.
Can I create custom keyboard shortcuts in NetSuite?
While NetSuite has built-in system shortcuts, you can set up browser bookmark hotkeys or utilize custom NetSuite SuiteScripts/extensions to map custom hotkey triggers across your department.
Need Expert NetSuite Support or Customization?
Mastering shortcuts is just the first step in maximizing your ERP software. If your team needs help streamlining NetSuite workflows, building complex Saved Searches, configuring custom dashboards, or providing daily user support, Protelo is here to help.
Why Work with Protelo?
- Direct Access to Experts: Speak directly with senior, US-based NetSuite consultants.
- On-Demand Services: No minimum monthly retainers—get expert assistance exactly when you need it.
- Tailored Business Solutions: From licensing and integrations to custom SuiteScripting, we ensure NetSuite works seamlessly for your business.
- Customer Success stories:
Get On-Demand NetSuite Support Today
Your success is important to us. That’s why Protelo delivers fast resolutions, clear guidance, and expert NetSuite support.
Customer Success Stories: Real Results with Protelo
Optimizing NetSuite goes far beyond learning daily shortcuts. Our client success stories demonstrate how working with direct, expert NetSuite guidance transforms business operations:
- Tailored System Optimization: See how we help companies unlock hidden NetSuite capabilities, eliminate manual workarounds, and streamline core workflows.
- On-Demand Problem Solving: Discover how fast, US-based expert support keeps operations running smoothly without long-term retainers or delays.
- Scalable Business Growth: Read how customized dashboards, saved searches, and automations empower growing businesses to make data-driven decisions faster.
Explore Protelo Customer Success Stories & Case Studies
