Databases

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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.

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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

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Creating a Database

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Field Types

Choose the right field type for your data:

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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

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Selection Types

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

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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

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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

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Working with Fields

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Adding a Field

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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

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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

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Views

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

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Creating Additional Views

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Filtering Data

Create filters to show only relevant rows:

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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

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Sorting Data

Organize rows by sorting:

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Row Details

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

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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

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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

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Calculations (Grid View)

Add calculation rows to summarize data: 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

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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

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Best Practices

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Next Steps