> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.informationhub.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.informationhub.io/project/tables.md).

# Tables

Tables are where your structured data lives in Information Hub. Each table stores data in rows and columns, much like a spreadsheet - but with defined column types that keep your data consistent and reliable.

<figure><img src="/files/9CQyyF4NNbycWlSnq1JW" alt="The tables page"><figcaption><p>The tables page</p></figcaption></figure>

## What tables are used for

Every project can have multiple tables. Tables are the backbone of your project's data:

* **Forms** collect data and write it directly into tables.
* **Dashboards** visualise data stored in tables.
* **Apps** can read from and write to tables.

## Column data types

Each column in a table has a data type that controls what values it can hold:

| Data Type        | Description                                                                                                                       |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Text             | Free text of any length                                                                                                           |
| Integer          | Whole numbers                                                                                                                     |
| Double Precision | Decimal numbers (high precision)                                                                                                  |
| Real             | Decimal numbers (standard precision)                                                                                              |
| Yes/No           | Boolean true/false values                                                                                                         |
| File             | Reference to a file in project storage                                                                                            |
| Dropdown         | Select from a predefined list of options                                                                                          |
| Foreign Key      | Reference to a row in another table                                                                                               |
| Lookup           | References a specific column in another table - similar to a foreign key but with a search interface for finding the linked value |
| JSON             | Stores structured JSON data within a single cell                                                                                  |
| Tabular          | Stores multiple rows of structured data within a single cell                                                                      |

Every table also has a **primary key** column. By default this is an auto-incrementing integer called `id` that uniquely identifies each row. If you need human-readable IDs (such as `SP-1` or `OBS-42`) you can use a key generator on the primary key column instead - see Key generators below.

## Key generators

A key generator is a template-based pattern for auto-generating column values. Use them for serial numbers, sample IDs, specimen codes, or any value that should follow a consistent format. For example, a template of `SP-{autoincrement}` would produce SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and so on.

{% hint style="info" %}
Key generators produce string values. If your template includes literal text (for example `SP-{autoincrement}`), the primary key column type must be **Text**, not **Integer**. Open **Edit Column** on the primary key column and change its type to Text before assigning the generator.
{% endhint %}

Key generators are managed from the table's Settings page. You can assign a key generator to a column when adding or editing that column.

## In this section

{% content-ref url="/pages/idvYHsokWigDwYI8qMlc" %}
[Create a Table](/project/tables/create-table.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/CmYaPVOX7q3wK4WW62ch" %}
[Import Data](/project/tables/import-data.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/kI3oquG6j4oqFuLy89Wj" %}
[View and Edit Data](/project/tables/view-edit-data.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/Es3jIurUm97s2olWpb1Q" %}
[Export Data](/project/tables/export-data.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/3j9uACxLtiO5DAhxQelb" %}
[Analyse Data](/project/tables/analyse-data.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}