Dolibarr ERP/CRM is a web-based open-source platform that offers extensive features for managing sales, finance, projects, inventory, and more. One of its strengths is its accessibility through any browser, making it suitable for desktop and mobile devices. However, using Dolibarr on a tablet or smartphone comes with its own set of challenges and advantages. This in-depth guide offers practical tips, interface adjustments, and usage strategies to optimize Dolibarr on smaller screens.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Use Dolibarr on Mobile Devices?

  2. Understanding the Responsive Design of Dolibarr

  3. Choosing the Right Browser for Mobile Access

  4. Configuring Dolibarr for Optimal Mobile Display

  5. Navigating the Menu System Efficiently

  6. Using Home Screen Shortcuts Like an App

  7. Customizing Modules for Touch Interaction

  8. Form Input Tips for Mobile Efficiency

  9. Managing PDF Documents on Mobile

  10. Accessing Invoices, Proposals, and Orders on the Go

  11. Working with Dolibarr Calendar and Tasks on Mobile

  12. Taking Advantage of Voice-to-Text Input

  13. Using Tablets in Landscape Mode: Pros and Cons

  14. Recommended Tablet and Phone Specs for Dolibarr

  15. Final Thoughts and Daily Usage Best Practices

1. Why Use Dolibarr on Mobile Devices?

Mobile access to Dolibarr can be a game-changer for salespeople, field technicians, project managers, or anyone who needs real-time business data while away from the office. It allows you to:

  • Review customer data before a meeting

  • Create and send invoices on site

  • Track project milestones on location

  • Capture tasks or time tracking on the go

Tablets and smartphones offer freedom and immediacy that desktops simply cannot.

2. Understanding the Responsive Design of Dolibarr

Dolibarr’s user interface is built with a responsive design. This means the layout adapts dynamically to different screen sizes. The theme “Eldy” and other modern themes use CSS media queries to:

  • Collapse horizontal menus into drop-downs

  • Stack content vertically for narrow screens

  • Resize buttons and text for tap-friendliness

However, not all modules are equally mobile-optimized, and some actions may require zooming or horizontal scrolling.

3. Choosing the Right Browser for Mobile Access

The performance and usability of Dolibarr on mobile can depend significantly on your browser choice. Recommended options include:

  • Chrome (Android): Best performance, full JavaScript support

  • Safari (iOS): Seamless integration with iOS, good rendering

  • Firefox: Great privacy features, stable interface

Make sure to:

  • Keep your browser updated

  • Enable cookies and JavaScript

  • Use private/incognito mode for quick admin testing

4. Configuring Dolibarr for Optimal Mobile Display

To improve usability on mobile devices:

  • Set your theme to a mobile-friendly one (e.g., Eldy or Material)

  • Reduce the number of displayed columns in lists via module setup

  • Use compact or simplified menus

  • Turn off rarely used modules to streamline navigation

You can also use URL parameters like ?mainmenu=home to force simple views.

5. Navigating the Menu System Efficiently

On mobile, Dolibarr collapses its menu into a drop-down icon (hamburger menu). Here are tips to navigate faster:

  • Pin frequently used modules to your top menu

  • Bookmark key pages like Invoices or Third Parties

  • Use the search bar actively—it supports quick access

Avoid switching modules too often as page reloads can be slower on mobile networks.

6. Using Home Screen Shortcuts Like an App

Though Dolibarr isn’t a native mobile app, you can simulate an app experience:

  • On Android/Chrome: Tap the three-dot menu > “Add to Home Screen”

  • On iOS/Safari: Tap the Share icon > “Add to Home Screen”

This creates a launcher icon that opens Dolibarr in fullscreen, app-like mode, reducing distractions from the browser interface.

7. Customizing Modules for Touch Interaction

Certain modules (like POS or Product entry) may require customization for touch screens:

  • Increase button and input sizes via custom CSS

  • Simplify forms by hiding advanced options

  • Use drop-downs and toggles instead of text inputs

Custom themes or front-end wrappers can further enhance this.

8. Form Input Tips for Mobile Efficiency

Typing on mobile is slower, so efficiency is key:

  • Use auto-complete fields where possible

  • Pre-fill common values using module settings

  • Enable “Remember me” on login pages

  • Use date pickers and sliders for numeric input when available

When applicable, use a stylus or voice input to reduce typing time.

9. Managing PDF Documents on Mobile

Viewing and sending documents like invoices or proposals from mobile is possible but depends on PDF handling capabilities:

  • Use built-in PDF viewers on Android or iOS

  • Download and send via email directly from Dolibarr

  • If sending fails, open in your browser and use the share function

Ensure your server’s PDF generation folder is accessible via your mobile user permissions.

10. Accessing Invoices, Proposals, and Orders on the Go

You can access and manage commercial documents on mobile as long as they are validated:

  • Navigate to Third Parties > Select a client > View Invoices or Proposals

  • Use filters to reduce screen clutter

  • Preview PDFs before emailing

Note: Large tables may scroll awkwardly. Consider landscape mode for viewing totals or product lines.

11. Working with Dolibarr Calendar and Tasks on Mobile

The Dolibarr calendar module is usable on mobile with the right adjustments:

  • Switch to “Agenda List” view instead of full calendar

  • Create quick tasks using default category settings

  • Enable mobile-friendly reminders via email or notification

For team usage, synchronize with external calendar apps using iCal export.

12. Taking Advantage of Voice-to-Text Input

Most mobile devices support voice input, which can be used for:

  • Writing notes in customer records

  • Filling out descriptions for products or tasks

  • Adding quick comments to invoices

This can be much faster than typing manually, especially in the field.

13. Using Tablets in Landscape Mode: Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Better layout for list views

  • Easier access to full navigation menu

  • More screen real estate for forms and reports

Cons:

  • May require more hand movement for navigation

  • Typing may be slower in some on-screen keyboards

Try both orientations and set your browser to remember your preference.

14. Recommended Tablet and Phone Specs for Dolibarr

Minimum recommended specs:

  • Screen: 7"+ for tablets, 5.5"+ for phones

  • RAM: 3 GB or higher

  • Browser: Latest Chrome, Safari, or Firefox

  • Storage: 64 GB (to manage PDFs and downloads)

  • Internet: 4G/LTE or strong Wi-Fi

Avoid entry-level phones with outdated Android or iOS versions for smoother experience.

15. Final Thoughts and Daily Usage Best Practices

Dolibarr is highly usable on mobile devices with a few interface and workflow adjustments. To make the most of it:

  • Configure modules based on mobile use cases

  • Train users to use bookmarks and shortcuts

  • Monitor performance and optimize slow-loading modules

  • Customize UI for touch with CSS tweaks if needed

While not a full mobile app, Dolibarr’s browser-based access and responsive design make it a practical choice for business management on the go.