Odoo is a powerful and flexible open-source ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system used by businesses worldwide. One of the common questions among new and even experienced users is whether it’s possible to change the names within Odoo — whether those names belong to modules, records, or even fields.
Customization is at the heart of Odoo’s appeal, and tailoring the platform to fit your unique business processes often involves modifying names to improve clarity, branding, or usability. But the key is understanding where and how you can safely make these changes without breaking functionality or creating confusion down the road.
In many cases, changing names in Odoo is straightforward, while in others, it requires a bit more technical insight. Whether you’re an admin, developer, or end-user, knowing the scope and limitations of name changes can save you time and prevent headaches.
It’s equally important to balance customization with maintainability and compatibility, especially if you plan to upgrade Odoo or install third-party modules later.
Can You Change Module Names in Odoo?
Module names are the foundation of how Odoo organizes its functionalities. Understanding if and how to change these names can impact user experience and system navigation.
Module names are usually set by the developers and appear in the app list and menus. While it’s technically possible to rename modules, it’s not always advisable.
Renaming modules directly in the system can cause issues with dependencies and updates. Instead, a safer way is to customize the display names seen by users without altering the underlying technical names.
How to Customize Module Display Names
Odoo allows you to override module names using translation or customization of menu labels. This approach keeps the core system intact while presenting a different name to users.
- Use the built-in translation feature to change module names at the UI level.
- Modify menu item labels in the Settings > Technical > User Interface > Menu Items section.
- Create a custom module that inherits and modifies menu names.
“Changing the visible name of a module without altering its technical name is the best practice to maintain system integrity.”
Changing Record Names: Partners, Products, and More
One of the most frequent tasks in Odoo is updating the names of records such as customers, products, or employees. Thankfully, this process is straightforward and user-friendly.
Every record in Odoo has a name field that you can edit directly from the form view. This flexibility allows users to keep data accurate and aligned with real-world changes.
However, depending on the record type, some names may be generated automatically or linked to other data, so caution is advised.
Best Practices for Renaming Records
Before renaming important records, consider the following:
- Understand if the name is linked to other documents or workflows.
- Check if renaming affects reporting or integrations.
- Make sure to communicate changes with team members to avoid confusion.
For example, changing a product’s name might influence sales orders or inventory reports. It’s essential to ensure consistency throughout the system.
Modifying Field Names and Labels in Odoo
Field names define how data is displayed and collected in forms and lists. Changing these can improve user experience but requires careful handling.
Odoo distinguishes between the technical field name (used in database and code) and the field label (what users see). While technical names should remain stable, labels can be customized.
Customizing labels makes the interface more intuitive, especially when adapting Odoo to different languages or industry-specific terms.
How to Change Field Labels
- Use the Odoo Studio app to drag and drop and rename fields easily.
- Apply translations to modify labels for various languages.
- Override labels by inheriting views in custom modules.
“Labels serve as the primary communication point with users, so clear and relevant naming enhances productivity.”
Renaming Menus and Navigation Items
The navigation structure in Odoo relies heavily on menu names. Changing these can help align the system with your company’s terminology and workflow.
Menus can be renamed without affecting the underlying functionality. This is usually done via the Settings interface or by creating customizations in code.
It’s important to maintain logical and consistent menu names to avoid user confusion and to streamline daily operations.
Steps to Rename Menus Safely
- Navigate to Settings > Technical > User Interface > Menu Items (enable developer mode).
- Search for the menu you want to rename.
- Edit the name field to reflect your preferred terminology.
- Test changes to ensure navigation remains smooth.
| Aspect | Effect of Renaming | Recommended Approach |
| Menu Names | Only UI changes, no system impact | Safe to rename via UI |
| Module Technical Names | System reference, critical for updates | Do not rename |
| Record Names | Data integrity concern if linked | Rename with caution |
Changing Company and User Names
In Odoo, company and user names are essential for identification and access control. These names can be changed easily through the Settings menu.
Changing your company name or user names helps keep your system current and professional. It also ensures that reports and communications reflect your latest branding.
For users, updating names can be important when roles or personnel change within the organization.
How to Update Company and User Names
- Go to Settings > Users & Companies > Companies to change the company name.
- To rename users, navigate to Settings > Users & Companies > Users.
- Ensure changes propagate correctly by checking access rights and security groups after renaming.
“Regularly updating company and user names in Odoo promotes clarity and strengthens your brand presence internally and externally.”
Limitations and Risks of Changing Names in Odoo
Although Odoo offers flexibility, it’s important to be aware of limitations when changing names within the system. Not all names are safe to alter, and some require caution.
Improper renaming might lead to broken links, errors in reports, or issues during upgrades. Understanding the difference between display names and technical identifiers is key to avoiding problems.
Additionally, changes made directly to the database without using the Odoo interface or modules can corrupt your data.
Common Risks Associated with Renaming
- Breaking module dependencies by renaming technical identifiers.
- Confusion among users due to inconsistent naming conventions.
- Integration failures with third-party applications.
To mitigate these risks, always back up your database before making bulk or technical changes and test in a development environment first.
Tools and Techniques for Renaming in Odoo
There are multiple methods to change names in Odoo ranging from simple interface edits to advanced development approaches. Choosing the right tool depends on your needs and technical skills.
For non-technical users, Odoo Studio is a powerful option to customize names and labels without coding. Developers can use XML inheritance and Python overrides for deeper customizations.
Translations are also a hidden gem for renaming UI elements without touching the underlying code.
Summary of Renaming Tools
| Tool | Use Case | Skill Level |
| Odoo Studio | Rename fields, menus, and labels visually | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Translation Interface | Change text in the UI for multiple languages | Intermediate |
| XML & Python Customizations | Advanced renaming and logic changes | Advanced/Developer |
Conclusion: Mastering Name Changes in Odoo
Changing names in Odoo is not only possible but often necessary to tailor the system to your business needs. However, it requires a clear understanding of what names can be changed safely and which should remain untouched to preserve system stability.
By focusing on display names, labels, menus, and records through supported tools like Odoo Studio or the translation interface, you can create a more intuitive and brand-aligned experience for your users.
Meanwhile, avoiding changes to technical names like module identifiers ensures smooth updates and integrations.
Remember that effective communication and documentation of any name changes will help your team adapt quickly and maintain data integrity. If you want to explore more about names in different contexts, you might find it interesting to read about choosing the perfect dog’s name or discover more about Newman’s first name on Seinfeld.
Every name carries meaning and significance, and Odoo gives you the tools to make those names your own.
