How to Configure Client Action in Odoo 18: A Complete Guide
Odoo 18 introduces enhanced flexibility in how users interact with the system, especially through Client Actions. These actions play a critical role in improving user experience by enabling dynamic interfaces, dashboards, notifications, and custom workflows that go beyond standard window actions.
For businesses aiming to streamline operations, personalize user journeys, or build advanced ERP workflows, understanding Client Actions in Odoo 18 is essential. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through what client actions are, how they work, and how to configure them step by step—both from a functional and technical perspective.
Whether you are a business user, functional consultant, or developer, this guide will help you confidently configure client actions in Odoo 18.
What Is a Client Action in Odoo?
In Odoo, a Client Action is a special type of action that tells the web client (frontend) to execute custom behavior rather than simply opening a view like a form or list.
Unlike Window Actions, which display records, client actions are used to:
- Display dashboards
- Trigger custom JavaScript logic
- Show notifications or wizards
- Open dynamic interfaces
- Execute frontend workflows
Client actions are especially useful when standard views are not sufficient for business requirements.
Why Use Client Actions in Odoo 18?
Odoo 18 enhances frontend capabilities, making client actions more powerful and relevant than ever. Businesses use them to:
- Build interactive dashboards
- Improve UX with real-time feedback
- Create custom navigation flows
- Reduce clicks and user effort
- Integrate frontend logic with backend processes
For growing organizations, client actions help transform Odoo from a transactional ERP into a smart, user-centric platform.
Common Use Cases for Client Actions
Client actions in Odoo 18 are widely used across industries and departments. Some common examples include:
- Custom KPI dashboards
- Redirecting users after button clicks
- Displaying success or warning messages
- Triggering JavaScript-based workflows
- Launching custom web components
- Interactive reports and analytics
Types of Actions in Odoo (Quick Overview)
Before diving deeper, it’s important to understand where client actions fit.
Odoo supports several action types:
- Window Actions – Open form, list, kanban, or pivot views
- Server Actions – Execute Python logic on records
- URL Actions – Redirect to external links
- Client Actions – Trigger frontend behavior
This guide focuses exclusively on Client Actions.
Prerequisites Before Configuring Client Actions
Before configuring a client action in Odoo 18, ensure the following:
- Odoo 18 is properly installed
- Developer Mode is enabled
- You have access rights (Admin or Technical User)
- Basic understanding of Odoo models and views
- For advanced use cases: JavaScript knowledge (OWL framework)
Step 1: Enable Developer Mode in Odoo 18
To access technical settings:
- Go to Settings
- Scroll to the bottom
- Click Activate Developer Mode
This enables access to the technical menus required to configure actions.
Step 2: Navigate to Client Actions Menu
Once Developer Mode is enabled:
- Go to Settings
- Navigate to Technical → Actions → Client Actions
Here, you’ll see a list of existing client actions used internally by Odoo or custom modules.
Step 3: Create a New Client Action
Click Create to define a new client action.
Key Fields Explained
- Action Name
The name is displayed internally and in menus - Tag
This is the most important field. It tells Odoo which frontend action to execute.
Examples of common tags:
reloaddisplay_notificationir.actions.client- Custom JS tags
- Target
Determines how the action is executed:
- Current window
- New window
- Fullscreen
Save the action once the fields are filled.
Step 4: Understanding the “Tag” in Client Actions
The Tag defines what the client action actually does.
Common Built-In Tags in Odoo 18
- reload – Reloads the current view
- display_notification – Shows a toast message
- home – Redirects to dashboard
- action_open – Opens a custom interface
Example:
Step 5: Display Notifications Using Client Actions
One of the most common uses of client actions is displaying notifications.
Example Use Case
Show a success message after completing an operation.
Configuration Example
- Action Name: Show Success Message
- Tag:
display_notification
This can be triggered via:
- Server actions
- Buttons
- Automated workflows
Odoo 18 supports:
- Success messages
- Warning alerts
- Sticky notifications
Step 6: Trigger Client Actions from Buttons
Client actions become powerful when linked to UI buttons.
How to Link a Client Action to a Button
- Open the form view in Developer Mode
- Add a button with:
type="action"- Reference the client action ID
This allows users to trigger frontend behavior directly from forms.
Step 7: Trigger Client Actions from Server Actions
Client actions are often returned from Python methods.
Example Scenario
After validating a record, redirect the user or show a message.
A server action can return:
- A client action
- A window action
- A combined response
This approach is commonly used in approvals, workflows, and automations.
Step 8: Using Client Actions for Dashboards
Dashboards are one of the strongest use cases for client actions.
Why Use Client Actions for Dashboards?
- Dynamic data loading
- Interactive charts
- Custom UI layouts
- Better performance
In Odoo 18, dashboards are typically built using:
- Client Actions
- JavaScript (OWL components)
- Custom views
Step 9: Custom Client Actions with JavaScript (Advanced)
For advanced requirements, client actions can be backed by custom JavaScript code.
How It Works
- Define a client action with a unique tag
- Register the tag in a JavaScript file
- Implement frontend logic using OWL
This allows:
- API calls
- Live updates
- Interactive components
- Custom UX workflows
This approach is widely used in enterprise Odoo implementations.
Step 10: Linking Client Actions to Menus
You can also assign client actions to menu items.
Steps
- Go to Technical → User Interface → Menu Items
- Create or edit a menu
- Set the action type to Client Action
- Select your configured client action
This is useful for:
- Dashboards
- Custom landing pages
- Interactive tools
Step 11: Access Rights and Security Considerations
Client actions respect Odoo’s security model.
Best practices:
- Restrict menu access by user groups
- Validate backend data before triggering actions
- Avoid exposing sensitive logic in frontend code
Security is especially important when client actions interact with financial or HR data.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When configuring client actions in Odoo 18, avoid these pitfalls:
- Using incorrect or undefined tags
- Not testing access rights
- Overusing client actions where window actions suffice
- Hardcoding logic instead of making it reusable
- Ignoring performance optimization for dashboards
Best Practices for Client Actions in Odoo 18
- Use client actions only when UI logic is required
- Keep frontend logic modular
- Combine server actions with client actions
- Document custom tags clearly
- Test across user roles
These practices ensure maintainability and scalability.
Why Businesses Choose DX8 for Odoo Customization
While configuring basic client actions is straightforward, building enterprise-grade frontend workflows requires experience.
As a trusted Odoo Partner, DX8 Technologies helps businesses:
- Design custom client actions
- Build interactive dashboards
- Optimize Odoo UX
- Integrate frontend and backend workflows
- Ensure performance, security, and scalability
With expertise across Odoo implementations in the Netherlands and India, DX8 ensures your ERP works the way your business needs.
Conclusion
Client Actions in Odoo 18 unlock a new level of flexibility and user experience. From notifications and redirects to advanced dashboards and custom interfaces, they allow businesses to move beyond static workflows.
By understanding how to configure and use client actions effectively, organizations can improve productivity, usability, and system adoption.
If you’re looking to implement or customize client actions in Odoo 18, expert guidance can make all the difference.
Ready to Customize Odoo 18?
DX8 Technologies is your trusted Odoo partner for implementation, customization, and optimization.
Get in touch with DX8 today and turn Odoo 18 into a powerful, user-centric ERP tailored to your business needs.
FAQs
1. What is a Client Action in Odoo 18?
A Client Action in Odoo 18 is a frontend-triggered action that executes custom behavior in the web interface instead of opening a standard view. It is commonly used for dashboards, notifications, redirects, and interactive UI workflows.
2. How is a Client Action different from a Window Action in Odoo?
Window Actions are used to display records in form, list, kanban, or other views, while Client Actions trigger frontend logic such as displaying messages, loading dashboards, or running JavaScript-based interactions. Client Actions provide more flexibility for advanced user experiences.
3. Can Client Actions be triggered from buttons or automated workflows?
Yes, Client Actions in Odoo 18 can be triggered from form view buttons, server actions, menu items, or automated workflows. This allows businesses to combine backend logic with dynamic frontend behavior.
4. Do Client Actions require JavaScript development in Odoo 18?
Basic Client Actions, such as displaying notifications or reloading views, do not require JavaScript. However, advanced Client Actions—like custom dashboards or interactive components—require JavaScript development using Odoo’s OWL framework.
5. Are Client Actions secure and role-based in Odoo 18?
Yes, Client Actions follow Odoo’s access control and security rules. Menu visibility, action execution, and data access are restricted based on user roles and permissions, ensuring secure and controlled usage across teams.
Swati Rawat is a writer and researcher with a strong interest in digital transformation, emerging technologies, and the evolving intersection of business and innovation. At DX8, she focuses on translating complex ideas into clear, actionable insights, helping readers understand how technology shapes modern organizations and decision-making. With a detail-oriented approach and a passion for continuous learning, Swati contributes thoughtful, well-researched content designed to inform, engage, and empower a global audience.
