Let’s dive into a practical problem: you want to show either the Actual Number of Learners or the Estimated Number of Learners in the same spot on a Canvas view—depending on whether the actual value exists. Canvas doesn’t offer a simple toggle like standard Layout Rules, but with a clever pattern using Canvas Rules and the Style panel, you can achieve exactly that.

Why Conditional Field Display Matters in Zoho CRM Canvas

Canvas Rules let you dynamically change appearance or visibility of elements based on data—something standard Layout Rules don’t support in Canvas. This is essential when you want cleaner, context‑aware interfaces that adapt to record data. For example, showing an estimated value only when the actual value is missing improves clarity and reduces clutter. Canvas Rules operate at the style level, not by toggling fields directly, so you need to approach this differently than you would in standard CRM layouts. ([help.zoho.com](https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/crm/faqs/canvas/articles/faqs-canvas?utm_source=openai))

Understanding Canvas Rules vs. Layout Rules

Canvas Rules are not the same as standard Layout Rules. Instead of toggling fields on or off, Canvas Rules let you define conditions and then apply style changes—including visibility—via the Style panel. When you apply a rule to an element, a new sub‑tab appears in the Style panel named after the rule. Styles set there apply only when the condition is met. ([help.zoho.com](https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/crm/customize-crm-account/record-level-customization/articles/customize-record-detail-page-canvas?utm_source=openai))

Step‑by‑Step: Setting Up Conditional Field Display in Canvas

Here’s the pattern I used (and recommend):

Place both fields in the same Canvas area: Drag in both “Actual Number of Learners” and “Estimated Number of Learners” so they occupy the same spot visually.
Create a Canvas Rule: Select one element (e.g., Estimated), click the “+” in the Rules section, and define the condition: WHEN Actual Number of Learners IS NOT EMPTY. Save and apply it. ([help.zoho.com](https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/crm/customize-crm-account/record-level-customization/articles/customize-record-detail-page-canvas?utm_source=openai))
Configure Estimated field visibility:
- In the Default tab: set Visibility = Show.
- In the rule‑named tab: set Visibility = Hide.
Configure Actual field visibility:
- In the Default tab: set Visibility = Hide (so empty values don’t show).
- Apply the same Canvas Rule to this element.
- In the rule‑named tab: set Visibility = Show.
Save and test: Save your Canvas layout. In the module list or detail view, verify that records with an actual value show the Actual field, and those without show the Estimated field.

This pattern effectively creates a switch between the two fields based on data presence.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

Wrong tab configuration: A frequent error is setting visibility in the wrong tab—Default vs. rule tab. Double‑check both.
Misunderstanding “empty”: If your field has a default like “N/A”, Canvas won’t treat it as empty. Make sure the field is truly blank when you expect it to be.
Canvas‑specific logic: Remember, this approach only works in Canvas. Standard Layout Rules don’t apply here, and Canvas Rules don’t toggle fields directly—they change styles. ([help.zoho.com](https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/crm/faqs/canvas/articles/faqs-canvas?utm_source=openai))

Next Steps: Customizing Canvas Views Further

Once you’ve mastered this pattern, you can experiment with other conditional display scenarios—like highlighting fields, changing colors, or showing icons based on values. Canvas Rules are powerful and reusable across elements. Try customizing your Canvas views further, and if you run into questions or want to share your experience, drop a comment below.

Example: You could show a red border around a “Due Date” field when the date is past today, or display a VIP icon when a customer’s status equals “VIP”.

CTA: Try customizing your Zoho CRM Canvas views with Canvas Rules to improve your module UI, and share your experience or questions in the comments.

Sources

Zoho CRM Canvas FAQ: confirms conditional styling and visibility via Canvas Rules ([help.zoho.com](https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/crm/faqs/canvas/articles/faqs-canvas?utm_source=openai))
Zoho CRM Canvas guide: explains creating Canvas Rules and style‑based visibility control ([help.zoho.com](https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/crm/customize-crm-account/record-level-customization/articles/customize-record-detail-page-canvas?utm_source=openai))