Dynamics 365 CE: Attachements feature missing in some Entities

I’ve came across multiple occurrences where users need to attach files in an activity (or other entities) but they complain they do not see Timeline (Notes) section.

If you have similar problem and need to enable attachments on an entity, let’s do it!

First, there are two ways to attach documents with an entity:

1. Timeline (Notes)
2. SharePoint Document Libraries

Although, utilizing SharePoint Document Libraries for documents is a better solution (in my opinion), for this article, we will be looking at the attachments feature in the Timeline (Notes).

Problem

There are several entities (including some activity entities) where Timeline is not added on the form by default. Enable Notes (Attachements) and add TimeLine control to the form.

Solution

Let’s take example of Task entity. If you create or open an existing Task record, you won’t see Timeline (Notes) section on the form.

Follow these steps to enable Timeline (Notes) on an entity:

• Go to Advanced Settings -> Customization -> Customize the System (or open your Solution).
• Expand Entities node and select Task.
• First, make sure Notes (includes attachments) are enabled in the Communication & Collaboration section.

If not, let’s enable (it’s a pre-requisite to enable attachments and the Timeline control on the form).

Note: once Notes (incudes attachments) option is enabled, it cannot be disabled.

• Now expand Forms node and open the Task form.
• For sake of cleaner look, let’s add a one column section to the form (this step is optional).

• Select the section (where Timeline control is to be added) and from Insert Tab add Timeline control (as shown below).

• Optionally, in the Timeline Control properties, un-check Display label on the form option and select Notes as default tab (for a cleaner look).

• Finally, Save and Publish the form.

Result

Quite Easily Done!

Now, we can add attachments to the Task entity.