I created a custom object. However, when I create a page layout for the object, it appears a "pre-selected" set of fields are available, but the fields I need and I don't see a way to incorporate them into the new page layout.

Hi Jim, I think I see where you're getting stumped (hopefully)

An object & tab are two different things. Consider a custom object like a "folder" that holds stuff (records), and the "tab" is quite literally just the piece of paper hanging off of it, completely optional for the tab, but without the "folder"(object), you have nowhere to put records.

If you want to rename the "tab" of one of Salesforces standard objects to match the terminology used in your business, you can go to Setup > Tabs > Rename Tabs & Labels. There you will find a list of standard and custom salesforce objects which you can change names. Note in this screen there is the "Tab Label" and "Display Name". You can't change the "Tab Label" for standard salesforce objects (accounts, contacts, opps, etc), but you can change the "Display Name" which is what your users see in the interface. Go ahead and edit "Accounts" and you can call it whatever you want.

If you want to create a new "OBJECT" that will allow you to create a whole different "folder" for specific types of records that are NOT accounts, contacts, activities, products, etc, then you will go to Setup > Create > Objects > New Custom Object.

Note though, that creating a new object isn't always the best option. You can probably find ways to utilize standard objects and add a few fields you may need on it, depending on your buisness process.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if you need any further assistance, you can also send me a direct message