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How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care

Learn how to use GHL Customer Care's Contact Overlay to review contact details and conversations from Opportunities and Appointments without losing your place.

4 min read968 words9 explained imagesUpdated Fri, 4 Sep at 9:19 AM
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On this page
  1. Key Benefits of the Contact Overlay
  2. Where the Contact Overlay is Available
  3. Appointments
  4. Opportunities
  5. Single-Column and Two-Column Views
  6. How To Use the Contact Overlay
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. Related Articles

The Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care makes it easier to review contact information and conversations while working in Opportunities or Appointments. Instead of automatically navigating away from your current page, you can access the contact while keeping your existing workflow in context. This reduces unnecessary navigation and gives you faster access to the information you need.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is the Contact Overlay?

The Contact Overlay provides an in-context view of a contact directly from supported areas in GHL Customer Care. It helps you review contact details and conversations without automatically leaving the Opportunities or Appointments page you are currently working on.

When you select a contact from Opportunities or Appointments, the Contact Overlay opens on the current page. You can use Single-column view for a more compact experience or Two-column view when you want additional conversation context. You can also open the full Contact Detail Page whenever needed.

Key Benefits of the Contact Overlay

Keeping contact context available while managing appointments and opportunities can reduce unnecessary navigation and help you work more efficiently.

  • Stay in context: Review a contact without immediately leaving the Opportunities or Appointments page.
  • Access conversations quickly: View conversation history alongside contact information when additional context is needed.
  • Choose your preferred view: Switch between Single-column and Two-column views depending on how much information you want displayed.
  • Access the full contact record: Open the Contact Detail Page whenever you need the complete contact experience.
  • Maintain a consistent workspace: Existing Contact Detail Page customizations are reflected in the overlay.
  • Reduce unnecessary navigation: Check the information you need and return to your existing workflow with fewer page changes.

Where the Contact Overlay is Available

The Contact Overlay is available from Opportunities and Appointments, allowing you to access the associated contact without automatically navigating away from the page you are working on.

Appointments

From the Appointment List View, selecting the contact associated with an appointment opens that contact in the overlay. This is useful when you need to check contact information or conversations while reviewing scheduled appointments.

Appointments (image 1 of 9) What this shows From the Appointment List View, selecting the contact associated with an appointment opens that contact in the overlay. What this shows Illustrates the "Appointments" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". This screenshot appears in the "Appointments" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". The text alongside this image reads: From the Appointment List View, selecting the contact associated with an appointment opens that contact in the overlay. This is useful when you need to check contact information or conversations while reviewing scheduled appointments. Immediately after, the guide continues: From Opportunities, selecting the contact associated with an opportunity opens the Contact Overlay. This lets you review contact information while maintaining the context of the opportunity and pipeline. Image 1 of 9 What this coversFrom the Appointment List View, selecting the contact associated with an appointment opens that contact in the overlay. This is useful when you need to check contact information or conversations while reviewing scheduled appointments. Next stepFrom Opportunities, selecting the contact associated with an opportunity opens the Contact Overlay. This lets you review contact information while maintaining the context of the opportunity and pipeline.

Opportunities

From Opportunities, selecting the contact associated with an opportunity opens the Contact Overlay. This lets you review contact information while maintaining the context of the opportunity and pipeline.

Opportunities (image 2 of 9) What this shows From Opportunities, selecting the contact associated with an opportunity opens the Contact Overlay. What this shows Illustrates the "Opportunities" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". This screenshot appears in the "Opportunities" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". The text alongside this image reads: From Opportunities, selecting the contact associated with an opportunity opens the Contact Overlay. This lets you review contact information while maintaining the context of the opportunity and pipeline. Immediately after, the guide continues: The Contact Overlay provides two display modes so you can choose how much contact and conversation information you want visible at once. These display modes apply to the overlay and are separate from the layout options used when…. Image 2 of 9 What this coversFrom Opportunities, selecting the contact associated with an opportunity opens the Contact Overlay. This lets you review contact information while maintaining the context of the opportunity and pipeline. Next stepThe Contact Overlay provides two display modes so you can choose how much contact and conversation information you want visible at once. These display modes apply to the overlay and are separate from the layout options used when customizing the Contact Detail Page.

Single-Column and Two-Column Views

The Contact Overlay provides two display modes so you can choose how much contact and conversation information you want visible at once. These display modes apply to the overlay and are separate from the layout options used when customizing the Contact Detail Page.

  • Single-column view: Provides a more compact contact view for accessing contact information and related right-panel features.
    Step 1 of 2: Single-column view: Provides a more compact contact view for accessing… What this shows Step 1 of 2: Single-column view: Provides a more compact contact view for accessing contact information and related right-panel features. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 1 of 2 in the "Single-Column and Two-Column Views" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 2 in the "Single-Column and Two-Column Views" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". At this point in the walkthrough you single-column view: Provides a more compact contact view for accessing contact information and related right-panel features. The next step is to two-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details alongside an extended Conversations area, giving you additional context without navigating away from your current page. Step 1 of 2Image 3 of 9 What this coversSingle-column view: Provides a more compact contact view for accessing contact information and related right-panel features. Next stepTwo-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details alongside an extended Conversations area, giving you additional context without navigating away from your current page.
    All 2 steps in this procedure
    1. Single-column view: Provides a more compact contact view for accessing contact information and related right-panel features. this image
    2. Two-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details alongside an extended Conversations area, giving you additional context without navigating away from your current page.
  • Two-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details alongside an extended Conversations area, giving you additional context without navigating away from your current page.
    Step 2 of 2: Two-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details… What this shows Step 2 of 2: Two-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details alongside an extended Conversations area, giving you additional context… What this shows Shows what this covers for step 2 of 2 in the "Single-Column and Two-Column Views" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Single-Column and Two-Column Views" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". At this point in the walkthrough you two-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details alongside an extended Conversations area, giving you additional context without navigating away from your current page. Step 2 of 2Image 4 of 9 What this coversTwo-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details alongside an extended Conversations area, giving you additional context without navigating away from your current page.
    All 2 steps in this procedure
    1. Single-column view: Provides a more compact contact view for accessing contact information and related right-panel features.
    2. Two-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details alongside an extended Conversations area, giving you additional context without navigating away from your current page. this image

You can switch between these views from the layout control at the top of the overlay.

Note: Single-column and Two-column views are Contact Overlay display options. They are different from the Contact Detail Page layout configurations described in How to Customize the Contact Detail Page.

How To Use the Contact Overlay

The Contact Overlay gives you quick access to contact information while keeping your Opportunities or Appointments workflow in context. Once opened, you can choose the amount of contact and conversation information you want to see or move to the full Contact Detail Page when needed.

  1. Go to Opportunities or Calendars > Appointment list view.
  2. Locate the relevant opportunity or appointment.
  3. Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it.
    Step 3 of 8: Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and… What this shows Step 3 of 8: Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it. What this shows Shows what to click for step 3 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". At this point in the walkthrough you find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it. The navigation path used here is Calendars > Appointment. The next step is to the Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context. Step 3 of 8Path: Calendars > AppointmentImage 5 of 9 What to clickFind the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it.
    Buttons and menus referenced contact name or contact iconOpportunitiesCalendars > Appointment list viewSingle column view,Two column viewGo to Contacts PageOpen contact in new tabX
    Next stepThe Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Opportunities or Calendars > Appointment list view.
    2. Locate the relevant opportunity or appointment.
    3. Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it. this image
    4. The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context.
    5. Review the contact details, conversations, and other available information.
    6. Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single column view, Two column view or Go to Contacts Page as needed.
    7. To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon.
    8. Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page.
  4. The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context.
    Step 4 of 8: The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or… What this shows Step 4 of 8: The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 4 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". This animation accompanies step 4 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". At this point in the walkthrough you the Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context. The navigation path used here is Calendars > Appointment. The next step is to review the contact details, conversations, and other available information. Step 4 of 8Path: Calendars > AppointmentImage 6 of 9 What this coversThe Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context.
    Buttons and menus referenced OpportunitiesCalendars > Appointment list viewcontact name or contact iconSingle column view,Two column viewGo to Contacts PageOpen contact in new tabX
    Next stepReview the contact details, conversations, and other available information.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Opportunities or Calendars > Appointment list view.
    2. Locate the relevant opportunity or appointment.
    3. Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it.
    4. The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context. this image
    5. Review the contact details, conversations, and other available information.
    6. Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single column view, Two column view or Go to Contacts Page as needed.
    7. To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon.
    8. Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page.
  5. Review the contact details, conversations, and other available information.
  6. Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single column view, Two column view or Go to Contacts Page as needed.
    Step 6 of 8: Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between… What this shows Step 6 of 8: Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single column view, Two column view or Go to Contacts Page as needed. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 6 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". This screenshot accompanies step 6 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". At this point in the walkthrough you use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single column view, Two column view or Go to Contacts Page as needed. The navigation path used here is Calendars > Appointment. The next step is to to access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon. Step 6 of 8Path: Calendars > AppointmentImage 7 of 9 What this coversUse the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single column view, Two column view or Go to Contacts Page as needed.
    Buttons and menus referenced Single column view,Two column viewGo to Contacts PageOpportunitiesCalendars > Appointment list viewcontact name or contact iconOpen contact in new tabX
    Next stepTo access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Opportunities or Calendars > Appointment list view.
    2. Locate the relevant opportunity or appointment.
    3. Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it.
    4. The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context.
    5. Review the contact details, conversations, and other available information.
    6. Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single column view, Two column view or Go to Contacts Page as needed. this image
    7. To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon.
    8. Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page.
  7. To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon.
    Step 7 of 8: To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon What this shows Step 7 of 8: To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon. What this shows Shows what this covers for step 7 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". This screenshot accompanies step 7 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". At this point in the walkthrough you to access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon. The navigation path used here is Calendars > Appointment. The next step is to click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page. Step 7 of 8Path: Calendars > AppointmentImage 8 of 9 What this coversTo access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon.
    Buttons and menus referenced Open contact in new tabOpportunitiesCalendars > Appointment list viewcontact name or contact iconSingle column view,Two column viewGo to Contacts PageX
    Next stepClick the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page.
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Opportunities or Calendars > Appointment list view.
    2. Locate the relevant opportunity or appointment.
    3. Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it.
    4. The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context.
    5. Review the contact details, conversations, and other available information.
    6. Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single column view, Two column view or Go to Contacts Page as needed.
    7. To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon. this image
    8. Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page.
  8. Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page.
    Step 8 of 8: Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the… What this shows Step 8 of 8: Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page. What this shows Shows what to click for step 8 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". This animation accompanies step 8 of 8 in the "How To Use the Contact Overlay" section of "How to Use the Contact Overlay in GHL Customer Care". At this point in the walkthrough you click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page. The navigation path used here is Calendars > Appointment. Step 8 of 8Path: Calendars > AppointmentImage 9 of 9 What to clickClick the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page.
    Buttons and menus referenced XOpportunitiesCalendars > Appointment list viewcontact name or contact iconSingle column view,Two column viewGo to Contacts PageOpen contact in new tab
    All 8 steps in this procedure
    1. Go to Opportunities or Calendars > Appointment list view.
    2. Locate the relevant opportunity or appointment.
    3. Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it.
    4. The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context.
    5. Review the contact details, conversations, and other available information.
    6. Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single column view, Two column view or Go to Contacts Page as needed.
    7. To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon.
    8. Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page. this image

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the Contact Overlay currently available?
The Contact Overlay is currently available when accessing contacts from Opportunities and Appointments.

Q: Are Single-column and Two-column views the same as Contact Detail Page layout settings?
No. Single-column and Two-column views control how the Contact Overlay is displayed. Contact Detail Page layouts are separately configured using the Contact Detail Page customization options.

Q: Do I have to use the Contact Overlay every time I want to access a contact?
No. GHL Customer Care provides an option to open the full Contact Detail Page when you prefer that experience.

Q: Will my customized Contact Detail Page appear differently in the overlay?
The overlay respects your Contact Detail Page customizations, helping maintain a consistent contact experience between the overlay and the full page.

Q: Can I switch overlay views after opening a contact?
Yes. Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between Single-column and Two-column views.

Q: Can I return to the page I was working on after opening the full Contact Detail Page?
Yes. When you move from the overlay to the full Contact Detail Page, you can navigate back to the page you were previously working on.

Q: Is the Contact Overlay available everywhere a contact name appears in GHL Customer Care?
The current release specifically provides the Contact Overlay for Opportunities and Appointments. Availability in other areas should not be assumed.

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