Columns
Definition
A column defines an attribute of the rows in a table.
Columns determine:
- what information is stored for each row
- the data type of that information
- how the field is presented in forms and lists
- how the field can be referenced in rules, classifications, and integrations
Each column belongs to exactly one table.
Configuration fields
Name
Human-readable label used throughout the interface.
The name is used in forms, lists, and filters.
API name
Identifier used when interacting with the API.
Constraints:
- Must be unique within the table
- Allowed characters:
a–z,0–9,_ - Must be lowercase
- Cannot start with a number
Description
Optional text describing the column.
This text may appear as help text in forms.
Table
Defines which table the column belongs to.
A column can only belong to a single table.
Type
Defines the data type stored in the column.
The type determines:
- how values are stored
- how values are rendered in forms
- how values are interpreted by rules and classifications
The column type cannot be changed after the column is created.
Column types
The system supports the following column types.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Short Text | Single-line text input |
| Long Text | Multi-line text input |
| Whole Number | Integer value |
| Decimal Number | Decimal value |
| Yes / No | Boolean value |
| Date | Calendar date without time |
| Time | Time of day without date |
| Date & Time | Date with time |
| Date Range | Start and end date |
| Date & Time Range | Start and end date with time |
| Color | Color selection field |
| Schedule | Reference to a predefined schedule |
Schedule column
A Schedule column stores a reference to a schedule.
The stored value represents the identifier of a schedule that defines a repeating time pattern.
Schedules are typically used for cases such as:
- work shifts
- availability patterns
- recurring assignments
Summary columns
Columns can be designated as summary columns.
Summary columns determine how rows are displayed in places where a human-readable label is required.
Examples include:
- lists
- search results
- relation references
Multiple columns can be used together to create the display label for a row.
For example:
The order of summary columns is determined by the table sort configuration, not by the column definition itself.
Validation and constraints
Columns do not define validation rules or required fields.
Validation and data requirements are implemented through:
- classifications
- rules
These mechanisms can enforce conditions such as required fields or value restrictions.
Ordering
The visual order of columns is defined at the table level.
See the Tables reference for details about column ordering and sorting behavior.
Modification
The following properties can be changed after creation:
- name
- API name
- description
The column type cannot be modified once the column has been created.
Related components
Columns interact with several other system components.
| Component | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Tables | Columns belong to tables |
| Relations | Relations may reference column values |
| Classifications | Classifications evaluate column values |
| Permissions | Permissions may restrict visibility of column data |
| Interface | Forms and lists are generated from column definitions |
| Integrations | Column values are exposed through APIs and imports |
Related resources
Understand the concept