How To Fix SMARTFORMS463 - Character format &1 cannot be renamed because name &2 already exists

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: SMARTFORMS - Smart Forms - Form Builder

• Message number: 463

• Message text: Character format &1 cannot be renamed because name &2 already exists

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message SMARTFORMS463 - Character format &1 cannot be renamed because name &2 already exists ?

  The SAP error message SMARTFORMS463 indicates that there is an issue with renaming a character format in Smart Forms. Specifically, it means that you are trying to rename a character format (denoted as &1) to a new name (denoted as &2), but the new name already exists in the system. This can happen when you are attempting to modify a Smart Form and there is a naming conflict.
  Cause:
  
  Naming Conflict: The character format you are trying to rename already exists in the Smart Form or in the system, which prevents the renaming operation.
  Duplicate Names: SAP Smart Forms does not allow duplicate names for character formats, so if the new name you are trying to use is already taken, the system will throw this error.
  
  Solution:
  
  
  Check Existing Formats: Before renaming, check the list of existing character formats in the Smart Form to see if the name you want to use is already in use. You can do this by navigating to the character formats section of the Smart Form.
  
  
  Choose a Different Name: If the name you want to use is already taken, consider using a different name for the character format you are trying to create or rename.
  
  
  Delete or Modify Existing Format: If the existing character format is not needed, you can delete it or modify it to free up the name you want to use. Be cautious with this approach, as it may affect other parts of the Smart Form or other forms that use the same character format.
  
  
  Use Transaction SMARTFORMS: You can access the Smart Forms transaction (SMARTFORMS) to manage your forms and character formats. This will allow you to see all character formats and make necessary adjustments.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  Smart Forms Documentation: Refer to SAP documentation for Smart Forms for more detailed information on managing character formats and other elements.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues or provide additional guidance related to Smart Forms and character formats.
  Testing: After making changes, always test the Smart Form to ensure that it behaves as expected and that the changes do not introduce new issues.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the SMARTFORMS463 error and successfully rename your character format.