How to Show Item Name/Number Instead of Vendor Name/Code on Basic PDF Print Forms

When printing transactions like purchase orders using NetSuite’s basic PDF/HTML forms, the line items often show the vendor's item name or code by default. If you prefer to display your internal Item Name/Number instead—for clarity or consistency—you can do this using a custom transaction line field and updating your form settings. 

Step 1: Create a Custom Transaction Column Field

1. Navigate to Customization > Lists, Records, & Fields > Transaction Line Fields > New.
2. Give the field a clear label, like Internal Item Name.
3. Set the Type to Free-Form Text.
4. Uncheck the Store Value field.
5. Under the Applies To section, check the boxes for the transaction types you want this to apply to (e.g., if you want this field to show up on purchase orders and bills, check Purchase Item)
6. Under the Sourcing & Filtering subtab:
   • Set Source List to: Item
   • Set Source From Field to: Name
7. Click Save & Apply to Forms and make sure the appropriate custom forms are checked.

Step 2: Apply the Field to Your Transaction Forms

1. Go to Customization > Forms > Transaction Forms.
2. Edit the custom forms you need to make this change to.
3. On the Printing Fields tab, go to the Columns subtab. Make sure your new field is:
   • Checked (visible)
   • Placed appropriately among the line item columns
4. Uncheck the native Item Name/Number field

Preview and Print

Try printing or previewing a transaction using your updated form. You should now see your internal Item Name/Number printed in place of the vendor code.

Summary

By creating a sourced custom column field and configuring your basic PDF form, you can display the Item Name/Number exactly how you want—without touching a single line of code or using advanced templates.

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