How To Fix 37209 - Element is too long (visible field length will be shortened)

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: 37 - Screen Painter

• Message number: 209

• Message text: Element is too long (visible field length will be shortened)

What causes this issue?

You have increased the visualized (visible) length of an input/output
field which has the attribute "scrollable".
This is not allowed either because, to the right of the element, there
is another element (e.g. field text, input/output field, graphical
element, subscreen) which would be truncated or moved, or because the
right edge of the screen has been reached.

System Response

Length increased only to maximum allowed.

How to fix this error?

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message 37209 - Element is too long (visible field length will be shortened) ?

  The SAP error message 37209, which states "Element is too long (visible field length will be shortened)," typically occurs when the data being entered into a field exceeds the maximum length defined for that field in the SAP system. This can happen in various contexts, such as when entering data in a transaction, customizing a field, or working with data in reports.
  Cause:
  
  Field Length Exceeded: The primary cause of this error is that the input data exceeds the defined length of the field in the database or screen.
  Data Type Mismatch: Sometimes, the data type of the field may not support the length of the data being entered.
  Custom Fields: If you are using custom fields or enhancements, they may not have been configured to handle longer data inputs.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check Field Length: Review the field definition in the data dictionary (transaction SE11) to determine the maximum length allowed for the field. Ensure that the data you are trying to enter does not exceed this length.
  Truncate Data: If the data exceeds the allowed length, consider truncating it to fit within the limits. This may involve modifying the input data or changing how it is formatted.
  Modify Field Length: If you have the necessary authorizations and it is appropriate for your business process, you can consider increasing the field length in the data dictionary. This should be done with caution and typically requires a change request and testing.
  Review Customizations: If the error occurs in a custom development or enhancement, review the code to ensure that it properly handles the data length and adheres to the field definitions.
  Consult Documentation: Check SAP documentation or notes related to the specific transaction or module you are working with for any known issues or recommendations.
  
  Related Information:
  
  Transaction Codes: You can use transaction codes like SE11 (Data Dictionary), SE80 (Object Navigator), or SE37 (Function Module) to investigate the field definitions and related objects.
  SAP Notes: Search for relevant SAP Notes in the SAP Support Portal that may address this specific error or provide additional context.
  Testing: After making any changes, ensure thorough testing is conducted to confirm that the issue is resolved and that no new issues are introduced.
  
  If the problem persists after trying the above solutions, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or development team for further assistance.