Use data tables in FastField

Use data tables in FastField to manage lists that populate in FastField forms.

Create a data table with information like customer or project details. Then, use it as a dropdown list in forms. Whenever you update the data table, all forms with lists connected to this table automatically update.

You can also use Quickbase tables as the source of data tables. Learn more about syncing Quickbase tables with data tables.

Create a new data table

There are three ways to create a new data table in FastField:

• From scratch
• By uploading an Excel or CSV file
• By connecting a Google Sheet

Create a new table from scratch 

1. In the FastField Portal, go to Lists > Data Tables.
2. Select + New Table and then Create a table from scratch.
3. Enter a name, data type, and requirement status for each column in your table.
   • 1. • Select + Add Column to create as many columns as you need.
4. To designate specific columns as unique, turn on the I prefer to use my own lookup keys toggle. Select + Add lookup key to select one or more columns. This ensures all entries in this column are unique so this column can be used as a lookup key.
5. Name your data table.
   • 1. • Optional: Turn on the Button Alias toggle to rename the default Add New button. This button appears in the app and Portal when adding a new record to the table.
        • Optional: Turn on the Allow users to add items within the app toggle to let users add new records to the table when filling out a form in the FastField app.

Create a new table from an Excel or CSV file

1. In the FastField Portal, go to Lists > Data Tables.
2. Select + New Table and then Create a table from an Excel or CSV file.
3. Upload an Excel or CSV file.
4. Choose the data type and requirement status for each column.
   
   • 1. • Select + Add Column to create more columns.
5. Validate that the data types selected match the data within each column. Correct any mismatches shown before continuing.
6. To designate specific columns as unique, turn on the I prefer to use my own lookup keys toggle. 
   • 1. • Select + Add lookup key to select one or more columns. This ensures all entries in this column are unique so this column can be used as a lookup key.
7. Name your data table.
   • 1. • Optional: Turn on the Button Alias toggle to rename the default Add New button. This button appears in the app and Portal when adding a new record to the table.
        • Optional: Turn on the Allow users to add items within the app toggle to let users add new records to the table when filling out a form in the FastField app.

Create a new table from a Google Sheet

1. In the FastField Portal, go to Lists > Data Tables.
2. Select + New Table and then Connect to a Google Sheet.
3. Select an existing Google Sheets integration or create a new one. Then, choose the spreadsheet and specific sheet you want to use.
4. Choose the data type and requirement status for each column.
   
   • 1. • Select + Add Column to create more columns.
5. Validate that the data types selected match the data within each column. Correct any mismatches shown before continuing.
6. To designate specific columns as unique, turn on the I prefer to use my own lookup keys toggle. 
   • 1. • Select + Add lookup key to select one or more columns. This ensures all entries in this column are unique so this column can be used as a lookup key.
7. Name your data table.
   • 1. • Optional: Turn on the Button Alias toggle to rename the default Add New button. This button appears in the app and Portal when adding a new record to the table.
        • Optional: Turn on the Allow users to add items within the app toggle to let users add new records to the table when filling out a form in the FastField app.

Add a data table list to a form

1. Go to the FastField Form Builder by editing an existing form or creating a new one.
2. Select Data Tables List from the Add Fields menu.
3. Under Data Tables Settings, choose the data table you want to use.

Data tables vs. lookup lists

Data tables and lookup lists are both tools used to manage data and create dropdown lists within FastField forms. They offer different levels of functionality, however.