Customize Custom Lightning Type Output with HXL Widgets (Beta)

Custom Lightning types now support widgets for output customization, expanding beyond Lightning Web Components (LWCs). Create a renderer UI that works across Salesforce apps and on third-party platforms through the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

Where: This change applies to Lightning Experience and all Salesforce editions with Headless Experience Layer (Beta) enabled.

Note Headless Experience Layer is a pilot or beta service that is subject to the Beta Services Terms at Agreements - Salesforce.com or a written Unified Pilot Agreement if executed by Customer, and applicable terms in the Product Terms Directory. Use of this pilot or beta service is at the Customer's sole discretion.

When: This feature is available starting the week of August 17, 2026.

Why: Widgets provide a JSON-based, no-code option to create output UI from a single definition that works across supported Salesforce applications and third-party platforms.

How: Create a widget by defining its composition in JSON files. Then, in your custom Lightning type bundle, create a renderer.json file at the root level (parallel to schema.json) that references your widget by using the @widget/{namespace}/{widgetName} syntax. Map your Lightning type's data properties to the widget's attributes to complete the connection.