When you start building custom apps in Odoo, one of the biggest challenges is creating the correct folder structure and files. If you try to do everything manually, it takes time, and mistakes are common. To solve this, Odoo provides a handy tool called Scaffold. It lets you create a complete module structure in just a few seconds, even if you are beginning your Odoo development journey.
This guide will help you understand how to use Scaffold and turn the generated structure into your own working Odoo application. The language is kept simple so anyone can follow along easily.
What Is Odoo Scaffold?
Odoo Scaffold is a command that automatically generates the base structure of a new module. Instead of creating folders and writing files yourself, Scaffold builds everything for you. You only need to give the module name, and Odoo prepares a ready-to-use module template.
This helps new developers start quickly and helps experienced developers save time. With basic Odoo knowledge, anyone can create custom apps without worrying about missing files or incorrect formatting.
Why Should You Use a Scaffold?
Scaffolding gives many benefits, especially when you want to build apps faster and more confidently. It allows you to create custom Odoo applications with minimal effort. You don’t need deep technical experience to get the basic structure right. Everything adheres to Odoo standards, making your module professional from day one.
You can generate module structures by simply specifying the module name and selecting where the module should appear. You can create the application as a zip file so you can download it and install it directly in Odoo. This makes development smooth for beginners and even more productive for experts.
How Scaffold Helps in App Configuration
One of the most critical files in an Odoo module is the manifest file. Scaffold already creates this file for you. You need to update it to match your app’s details. The manifest file controls how your app appears in Odoo, including its name, category, sequence, installation settings, and whether it should appear as a primary application.
You can easily set the module to be installable or hide it from the Apps menu if it is only a back-end feature. You can also decide whether it should be installed automatically along with other modules. With just a few changes, you can control how your app is displayed to users.
Organizing Your App with Custom Menus
Any real Odoo module needs a way for users to access its features. Scaffold helps by creating menu structure files as part of the module. You can set up the top menu that appears in the main Odoo interface, along with sub-menus under it, to organize your features.
For example, if you are building a warehouse app, you can create a main menu called “Warehouse” and add sub-menus for “Products,” “Locations,” or “Reports.” This helps users navigate comfortably and maintain your application clean and professional.
By reusing the scaffold templates, all that needs to change is the names and menu labels. The structure and settings to display these menus are already in place.
Creating Models to Store Custom Data
Every custom Odoo app has its own data. This could include employee details, booking records, product comments, or custom settings. To store this type of information, Odoo uses models, and Scaffold automatically creates a dedicated folder where you can define them.
Models are like database tables where your custom fields are stored. You can add names, descriptions, checkboxes, dropdown options, numbers, and many other field types. You can also control how data is sorted and what users see.
With Scaffold, the location for models is already set up. Just focus on adding fields for the types of information you want your app to manage.
Displaying Custom Fields in Views
After storing data in models, you must show it to users on screens. Odoo uses list (tree) views and form views for this. Scaffold also prepares the folder for these screen designs.
List (tree) views show multiple records in a table format. Form views show a single record with detailed fields. You can configure which fields should appear in each view and in what order. You can show or hide fields depending on user needs.
After installing your scaffolded module, your custom fields appear in both list view and form view, making your application functional and ready to use.
Add Optional Elements for Better Customization
Scaffold does much more than create the necessary files. It also supports optional documents such as a README file or contributor details. These are helpful when you want to explain your module or when multiple developers are working together.
You can also include branding assets, such as icons or images. These small additions make your app more polished and can help when you want to publish the module on the Odoo App Store or share it with clients.
Generate and Install with a Single Click
In many development environments today, tools are available that let you enter the module name, choose options such as menus, fields, and descriptions, and then click Generate. The system instantly prepares the complete module package and allows you to download it as a zip file.
Once downloaded, you upload the zip file to the Odoo Apps screen, and your module becomes active. The configured menus and custom fields are now available inside Odoo, visible in both form and list views. This means you can build and install your own application in minutes.
What You Can Build After Scaffold
The exciting part of module development begins after the Scaffold. Your app can grow as much as you want. You can add more models with relationships, create smart business logic, design beautiful screens, connect workflows, build reports, or even publish features on the website or mobile.
You start small with a structured module, and expand step by step into a complete business solution experience inventory systems, booking management, loan tracking, CRM tools, you name it!
Conclusion
Scaffold is the easiest way to start creating custom Odoo modules in the Odoo App Store without worrying about complex setup. Even with basic Odoo development knowledge, you can quickly generate a clean module structure, add menus, create models to store data, and show fields in list and form views. Optional files, such as documentation and icons, can also be added. With a single click, your module is ready to install and use in Odoo. Devintellecs helps you build Odoo apps faster and with confidence.
