When you describe your app in chat, Biscuit works out the data models you need and creates them automatically. You don’t need to design tables before you start, or write schemas. You can make changes to the data models at any time by talking to Biscuit in chat.
How Biscuit creates your database
You don’t need to design your database or plan your data models. Describe what you want your app to do, and Biscuit decides which tables your app needs to store the information it will create.Finding your tables
Your app’s tables are in its Library. There are two ways to get there:- From your app: open the app, click the menu and select Library. Then open Tables.
- From your space: select Library in the side panel, open your app under Apps, then open Tables. Both take you to the same tables.
Finding your way around a table
- Switch tables: use the table selector at the top to go to another table, for example from Deals to Activities.
- Search: press Cmd + F (Mac) or Ctrl + F (Windows) and type what you’re looking for.
- Open a record: click the expand icon on a row to open the record in a side panel and see all its fields at once.
- Filter: click the filter icon, choose a field and a value, for example Stage is Negotiation, to see only those records.
Editing records
Click a cell, type the new value and press Enter. The record is saved.
Editing in bulk
Select rows one by one, or select all the rows on screen. The number of selected rows appears in the top-right corner, with options to Delete or Duplicate them, or deselect them.
Adding new records
Click Insert to add records:- One at a time: fill in a new record manually.
- In bulk: upload a CSV file.
Exporting data
Export a table as CSV, Excel or JSON. Click the icon for the format you want and the file downloads with all the data in the table.
Table permissions
Click the icon next to a table to open Permissions and see who can do what with its data. To change them, either start a task from the Permissions panel, or open your app, click Edit and describe what you need in chat, for example “Only deal owners can delete deals.”
Changing your table structure
To change how your data is organized, such as removing a column, ask Biscuit in chat:- Open your app and click Edit.
- Describe the change. Type @ and start typing a table’s name to point Biscuit to it, for example “Remove the Closed at column from @Deals.”
- Press Enter. Biscuit makes the change as a task. Publish your app to put it live.
Data changes vs structure changes
| You change… | Example | Goes live |
|---|---|---|
| A record | Renaming Falcon Peak Insurance to Falcon Peak | Instantly, no publishing |
| The structure | Removing the Closed at column | After you publish your app |
FAQ
Do I need to design my database?
Do I need to design my database?
No. Biscuit works out which tables your app needs from your description and creates them for you.
Do I need to publish after editing a record?
Do I need to publish after editing a record?
No. Edits to records show up in your app instantly. Only structure changes, such as removing a column, need publishing.
How do I add or remove a column?
How do I add or remove a column?
Open your app, click Edit, and describe the change in chat. Type @ to point to the table. Publish your app afterwards to put the change live.
Can I import data from a spreadsheet?
Can I import data from a spreadsheet?
Yes. Click Insert and upload a CSV file to add records in bulk.
Can I export my data?
Can I export my data?
Yes. Export any table as CSV, Excel or JSON.
How do I change who can see or edit a table?
How do I change who can see or edit a table?
Click the icon next to the table and start a task from the Permissions panel. Or open your app, click Edit and describe the change in chat.
Important to know
Up next
Workflows
The logic of your app, drawn so you can see and change it.
Connecting external APIs
Pull live data from any service into your app.