> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/AppFlowy-IO/AppFlowy/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Databases

> Organize and visualize data with flexible database views

## Overview

AppFlowy Databases transform structured data into powerful, customizable views. A single database can be displayed as a Grid (spreadsheet), Board (kanban), or Calendar, giving you multiple perspectives on your information.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Multiple Views" icon="eye" iconType="solid">
    Switch between Grid, Board, and Calendar views of the same data
  </Card>

  <Card title="Flexible Fields" icon="table-columns" iconType="solid">
    Support for text, numbers, dates, tags, checkboxes, and more
  </Card>

  <Card title="Filter & Sort" icon="filter" iconType="solid">
    Create powerful filters and sorts to focus on what matters
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Understanding Databases

A database in AppFlowy consists of:

* **Rows**: Individual records or items
* **Fields**: Properties that describe each row (like columns in a spreadsheet)
* **Views**: Different ways to visualize and interact with your data
* **Field Types**: Define what kind of data each field contains

<Info>
  Each database can have multiple views. Changing data in one view updates all other views automatically.
</Info>

## Creating a Database

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create from slash menu">
    In any document, type `/grid`, `/board`, or `/calendar` to insert a database with that view
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name your database">
    Click the database title to rename it
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add fields">
    Click the **+** button in the header to add new fields (columns)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add rows">
    Click **+ New** at the bottom to add rows, or press `Ctrl/Cmd + Enter`
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  You can also create a standalone database from the sidebar by clicking **+** and selecting a database type.
</Tip>

## Field Types

Choose the right field type for your data:

### Basic Types

* **Rich Text**: Formatted text with multiple lines
* **Number**: Numeric values with formatting options (decimal, currency, percentage)
* **Checkbox**: Boolean true/false values displayed as checkboxes
* **URL**: Clickable web links

### Selection Types

* **Single Select**: Choose one option from a list (with color coding)
* **Multi Select**: Choose multiple options from a list

### Date & Time

* **Date**: Calendar dates with optional time
* **Time**: Time values (hours and minutes)
* **Created At**: Auto-populated timestamp when row is created
* **Last Modified**: Auto-updated timestamp when row is edited

### Advanced Types

* **Checklist**: Track progress with subtasks
* **Relation**: Link to rows in another database
* **Media**: Attach images, videos, or files
* **Summary**: AI-generated summaries of row content
* **Translate**: Auto-translate text between languages

<Note>
  Once you create a field, you can change its type later. AppFlowy will attempt to convert existing data to the new format.
</Note>

## Working with Fields

### Adding a Field

<Steps>
  <Step title="Click + button">
    Click the **+** icon in the database header
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose type">
    Select the field type from the dropdown menu
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure field">
    Name the field and configure type-specific options
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Field Operations

Right-click any field header to:

* **Rename**: Change the field name
* **Duplicate**: Create a copy of the field
* **Insert Left/Right**: Add a new field before or after
* **Hide**: Hide the field from current view
* **Delete**: Remove the field and its data

### Field Properties

Each field type has specific properties:

**Number Fields**:

* Decimal places (0-5)
* Number format (number, currency, percentage)
* Currency symbol

**Date Fields**:

* Date format (MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY, etc.)
* Time format (12-hour or 24-hour)
* Include time toggle

**Select Fields**:

* Option name and color
* Add, edit, or delete options
* Reorder options

## Views

Databases support three distinct view types. Learn more about each:

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Grid View" icon="table-cells" href="/core/grid-view">
    Spreadsheet-style view for detailed data management
  </Card>

  <Card title="Board View" icon="columns-3" href="/core/board-view">
    Kanban board for visual workflow management
  </Card>

  <Card title="Calendar View" icon="calendar" href="/core/calendar-view">
    Calendar layout for date-based planning
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Creating Additional Views

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open view menu">
    Click the view name at the top of the database
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add view">
    Click **+ Add View** and choose Grid, Board, or Calendar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure view">
    Name your view and select which fields to show
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Each view can have its own filters, sorts, and field visibility settings while sharing the same data.
</Tip>

## Filtering Data

Create filters to show only relevant rows:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open filter menu">
    Click the **Filter** button in the database toolbar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add condition">
    Click **+ Add filter** and select a field
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set criteria">
    Choose an operator (is, is not, contains, etc.) and value
  </Step>

  <Step title="Combine filters">
    Add multiple filters with AND/OR logic
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Filter Operators by Type

**Text**: is, is not, contains, does not contain, starts with, ends with, is empty, is not empty

**Number**: equals, not equals, greater than, less than, greater than or equal, less than or equal, is empty, is not empty

**Select**: is, is not, contains, does not contain, is empty, is not empty

**Date**: is, is before, is after, is on or before, is on or after, is within, is empty, is not empty

**Checkbox**: is checked, is unchecked

## Sorting Data

Organize rows by sorting:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open sort menu">
    Click the **Sort** button in the database toolbar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add sort rule">
    Click **+ Add sort** and select a field
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose direction">
    Select ascending (A→Z, 0→9) or descending (Z→A, 9→0)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Multiple sorts">
    Add multiple sort rules to refine ordering (first sort has priority)
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Sorts are applied in order. Drag to reorder sort rules in the sort menu.
</Info>

## Row Details

Every row has a detail page for in-depth editing:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open row">
    Click any cell or row to open the row detail view
  </Step>

  <Step title="Edit properties">
    Update field values in the properties panel
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add notes">
    Use the document area below properties to add detailed notes and content
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Row Detail Features

* **Document editor**: Full document editing with all block types
* **Property panel**: See and edit all field values
* **Row actions**: Duplicate, delete, or share individual rows
* **Banner**: Add a cover image to personalize the row

## Grouping (Board View)

In Board view, rows are grouped by a Single Select or Checkbox field:

* Each option becomes a column (group)
* Drag rows between columns to change their value
* Create new groups by adding select options
* Hide groups you don't need

<Tip>
  Change the grouping field from the view settings to reorganize your board.
</Tip>

## Calculations (Grid View)

Add calculation rows to summarize data:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open calculation menu">
    Click the **=** icon at the bottom of a column in Grid view
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose calculation">
    Select from: Count, Sum, Average, Min, Max, Median, etc.
  </Step>

  <Step title="View result">
    The calculation appears at the bottom of the column
  </Step>
</Steps>

Available calculations depend on field type:

* **Number**: Sum, Average, Min, Max, Median, Range
* **Date**: Earliest, Latest, Range
* **Checkbox**: Checked count, Unchecked count, Percentage
* **All types**: Count all, Count empty, Count not empty

## Database Templates

Create pre-configured databases for common use cases:

* **Task Management**: Board with status, assignee, priority
* **Project Tracker**: Grid with timelines, budgets, status
* **Content Calendar**: Calendar with topics, deadlines, channels
* **CRM**: Grid with contacts, companies, deal stages
* **Reading List**: Grid with books, authors, ratings, notes

<Tip>
  Save your customized database as a template to reuse in other pages. See [Templates](/core/templates) for details.
</Tip>

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Use field types wisely" icon="list-check">
    Choose the right field type for validation and proper sorting
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create multiple views" icon="eye">
    Different views for different contexts: planning, execution, review
  </Card>

  <Card title="Filter strategically" icon="filter">
    Save frequently used filter combinations as separate views
  </Card>

  <Card title="Document in row details" icon="file-lines">
    Use row detail documents for meeting notes, specifications, context
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Grid View" icon="table" href="/core/grid-view">
    Master spreadsheet-style data management
  </Card>

  <Card title="Board View" icon="columns-3" href="/core/board-view">
    Organize tasks with kanban boards
  </Card>

  <Card title="Calendar View" icon="calendar" href="/core/calendar-view">
    Plan with calendar-based views
  </Card>

  <Card title="Templates" icon="clone" href="/core/templates">
    Create reusable database templates
  </Card>
</CardGroup>