# 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. - Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/contact-details-view/how-to-use-the-contact-overlay-in-ghl-customer-care - Section: Contacts / Contact Details View - Reading time: 4 min - Images: 9, each explained below - Modified on Fri, 4 Sep at 9:19 AM --- 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?](#what-is-the-contact-overlay) - [Key Benefits of the Contact Overlay](#key-benefits-of-the-contact-overlay) - [Where the Contact Overlay is Available](#where-the-contact-overlay-is-available) - [Single-Column and Two-Column Views](#single-column-and-two-column-views) - [How To Use the Contact Overlay](#how-to-use-the-contact-overlay) - [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions) - [Related Articles](#related-articles) --- # **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)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080122492/original/axMxr2E1Xb7Dk4ZYIJ_6Qz61dY2qWWvBBQ.png) **Appointments (image 1 of 9)** 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. - What this covers: 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. - Next: 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** 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)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080122566/original/iamP1boPbICxrdETlBTHYti-rOn1aRWErw.png) **Opportunities (image 2 of 9)** 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…. - What this covers: 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. - Next: 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 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…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080123004/original/wq2SzOxebULNmKEOj6BZfJVAnmGBkQiaNg.png) **Step 1 of 2: Single-column view: Provides a more compact contact view for accessing…** 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. - What this covers: Single-column view: Provides a more compact contact view for accessing contact information and related right-panel features. - Next: 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. Full 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…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080123028/original/13Xmd1TM7pr6jC5S_0ZpEGAKHe2kZm6Hzg.png) **Step 2 of 2: Two-column view: Expands the overlay to display Contact Details…** 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. - What this covers: 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. Full 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](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/contact-details-view/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…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080121176/original/d2Ez3blvrXSCKO1swlQ2kEyssH2PDw06BQ.png) **Step 3 of 8: Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and…** 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. - Path: Calendars > Appointment - What to click: Find the contact name or contact icon associated with the record and click it. - Controls: contact name or contact icon, Opportunities, Calendars > Appointment list view, Single column view,, Two column view, Go to Contacts Page, Open contact in new tab, X - Next: The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context. Full 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…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080121582/original/1Cm_GnLLchjR0RvZPAZzIfBeb8QI7NZ9ag.gif) **Step 4 of 8: The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or…** 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. - Path: Calendars > Appointment - What this covers: The Contact Overlay opens while keeping your current Opportunities or Appointments page in context. - Controls: Opportunities, Calendars > Appointment list view, contact name or contact icon, Single column view,, Two column view, Go to Contacts Page, Open contact in new tab, X - Next: Review the contact details, conversations, and other available information. Full 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…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080121823/original/IEIjlcHcqG7ikG_892UncGrg8z7Cv6EGww.png) **Step 6 of 8: Use the layout control at the top of the overlay to switch between…** 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. - Path: Calendars > Appointment - What this covers: 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. - Controls: Single column view,, Two column view, Go to Contacts Page, Opportunities, Calendars > Appointment list view, contact name or contact icon, Open contact in new tab, X - Next: To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon. Full 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](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080122102/original/8pD3-wDj-o-zasTS01JNAmB-7vchtXVHog.png) **Step 7 of 8: To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon** 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. - Path: Calendars > Appointment - What this covers: To access the full contact record, use the Open contact in new tab icon. - Controls: Open contact in new tab, Opportunities, Calendars > Appointment list view, contact name or contact icon, Single column view,, Two column view, Go to Contacts Page, X - Next: Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page. Full 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…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155080122409/original/ZgZCvXstTnRi82_LAMeR8Biy8M0UatlE3g.gif) **Step 8 of 8: Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the…** 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. - Path: Calendars > Appointment - What to click: Click the X to close the overlay and continue working on the Opportunities or Appointments page. - Controls: X, Opportunities, Calendars > Appointment list view, contact name or contact icon, Single column view,, Two column view, Go to Contacts Page, Open contact in new tab Full 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. --- ## **Related Articles** - [How to Customize the Contact Detail Page](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/contact-details-view/how-to-customize-the-contact-detail-page) - [Contacts – All-New Contact Detail Page](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/contact-details-view/contacts-all-new-contact-detail-page) - [Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Opportunities](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/opportunities-and-pipelines/getting-started-with-opportunities/step-by-step-guide-to-creating-opportunities) - [Manually Booking Calendar Appointments](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/calendars-and-appointments/scheduling-appointments/manually-booking-calendar-appointments) - [Right Panel & Expandable Sidebar in Conversations](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/conversations/conversations/right-panel-expandable-sidebar-in-conversations) - [Getting Started – Create and Manage Contacts](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/getting-started-w-ghl-customer-care/foundational-setup/getting-started-create-and-manage-contacts) --- Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com