TestCollab now lets administrators control how assignee names appear alongside avatar icons across the application. Instead of only showing initials (e.g., "JS"), you can choose to display full names, abbreviated first names, or abbreviated last names, giving your team greater clarity at a glance.
How to Configure
Who can change this: Only Administrator...
Navigate to Settings from the sidebar.
Click on the General sub menu.
Locate the Assignee Display Format dropdown.
Select your preferred format from the four available options (see below).
Click Save at the bottom of the page.
Display Format Options
The setting offers four formats. Here's how each one renders a user named John Smith:
Format | Example | Description |
Initials only | 
| The default. Only the avatar circle with initials is shown — no text name beside it. |
Full name | 
| The avatar circle is shown with the complete first and last name beside it. |
F. Lastname | 
| The first name is abbreviated to its initial, followed by the full last name. |
Firstname L. |  | The full first name is shown, followed by the abbreviated last name initial. |
When to Use Which Format
Initials only - Best for teams that value a compact, space-efficient layout. Works well when team members already know each other and just need a quick visual reference.
Full name - Best when you have larger teams where not everyone knows each other by initials, or when sharing screens with stakeholders who need to see exactly who is assigned.
F. Lastname or Firstname L. - A middle ground. Useful when full names make columns too wide but initials alone are not descriptive enough. Choose whichever feels more natural for your team's naming conventions.
Where the Format Applies
The chosen display format affects assignee-related columns and displays throughout the application.
Where the Format Does NOT Apply
The setting is intentionally scoped to assignee displays. The following areas always show the full name regardless of the setting:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this setting affect all users in my organization, or just me?
A: It affects everyone. The Assignee Display Format is a company-wide setting. Once an administrator changes it, the new format appears for all team members across all projects.
Q: What is the default format?
A: Initials only. This is the same behavior the application had before this feature was introduced, so nothing changes unless an administrator explicitly updates the setting.
Q: Can different projects use different formats?
A: No. The setting applies at the company level and is consistent across all projects. This ensures a uniform experience when team members switch between projects.
Q: Will changing this setting affect exported reports or PDFs?
A: No. The display format setting applies only to the web application UI. Any exports, downloaded reports, or API responses continue to use full names.
Q: What happens if a user has only a first name (no last name)?
A: If there is no last name, the abbreviated formats gracefully fall back to just showing the first name. For example, a user named "Madonna" would display as "Madonna" in all formats except Initials only (which would show "M").
Q: I don't see the Assignee Display Format dropdown in Settings. Why?
A: Only Administrator users can access the General Settings page. If you have a Tester or Viewer role, you will not see this option. Contact your organization's administrator to request a format change.