> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.amltd.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.amltd.com/dc-works/databases-and-tables/create-and-manage-databases.md).
# Create and Manage Databases
A database groups the related tables used to store information for a process or solution.
Use the **Databases** screen to create databases, open their tables, rename or delete databases, create complete duplicates, transfer databases using the DC Works export format, filter the database list, and control access to the tables associated with each database.
This example creates a database named **Equipment Checkout**. Its tables will be added in the following pages.
### Open the Databases screen
To open the Databases screen:
1. Select **Data** from the Main Navigation.
2. The **Databases** screen opens.
*The Databases screen lists the databases available to the current user.*
The database list includes the following columns:
| Column | Purpose |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Name | Displays the database name and provides access to its tables |
| Created By | Identifies the user who created the database |
| Date Created | Shows when the database was created |
| Last Modified | Shows when the database was most recently changed |
| Public Filters | Displays public filters associated with the database |
| My Filters | Displays filters available to the current user |
Each database row also includes:
* A checkbox for selecting the database.
* A pencil icon for editing its name.
* A trash icon for deleting it.
### Database toolbar
The toolbar at the top of the Databases screen contains the following controls:
| Control | Purpose |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Create | Creates a new database |
| Import | Imports a database from a `.dcworks` file |
| Delete | Deletes the selected database |
| Export | Exports the selected database in the DC Works format |
| Duplicate | Creates a complete copy of the selected database |
| Permissions | Controls user access to tables associated with the databases |
| Filters | Filters the databases displayed in the list |
The **Delete**, **Export**, and **Duplicate** controls become available after selecting a database using its checkbox.
### Create a database
To create a database:
1. Select **Data** from the Main Navigation.
2. Select **Create**.
3. Enter the database name.
4. Select **Create**.
*Enter a descriptive database name and select Create.*
For this example, create the following database:
> **Equipment Checkout**
The new database appears in the database list.
Use a name that clearly identifies the process or related information the database will contain.
### Select a database
Select the checkbox beside a database to activate the toolbar controls that operate on it.
*Select a database to make the applicable toolbar controls available.*
Selecting the checkbox does not open the database. To view its tables, select the database name.
### Open a database
Select a database name to open its **Tables** screen.
The navigation path at the top of the screen identifies the open database:
> Databases » Equipment Checkout » Tables
*Select the database name to view and manage the tables it contains.*
A newly created database does not contain any tables. Tables are created separately after the database has been opened.
Detailed instructions are provided in **Create and Manage Tables**.
### Rename a database
To change a database name:
1. Locate the database in the database list.
2. Select the **pencil icon** beside the database.
3. Change the name in the **Edit Database** window.
4. Select **Save**.
*Use the pencil icon to change the name of an existing database.*
Use descriptive and consistent names that identify the database’s purpose.
### Delete a database
A database can be deleted only when no Applets are using it.
To delete a database using its row control:
1. Locate the database in the database list.
2. Select the **trash icon** beside the database.
Alternatively:
1. Select the checkbox beside the database.
2. Select **Delete** from the toolbar.
{% hint style="warning" %}
DC Works will not delete a database that is being used by an Applet. Remove the database dependency from the affected Applets before attempting to delete it.
{% endhint %}
Deleting a database removes the database, its tables, and the data stored within them. Verify that the database and its contents are no longer required before deleting it.
### Duplicate a database
Use **Duplicate** to create a complete copy of an existing database within DC Works.
The duplicate includes:
* The database.
* All tables.
* All table fields.
* All table records and stored content.
The duplicate does not include:
* Filters.
* Table permissions.
To duplicate a database:
1. Select the checkbox beside the database.
2. Select **Duplicate** from the toolbar.
3. Wait for DC Works to create the copy.
4. Review the duplicated database before using it.
{% hint style="info" %}
Duplicating a database copies both its structure and its stored data. Filters and table permissions must be configured separately for the duplicated database.
{% endhint %}
Duplicating is useful when a new database requires the same structure and starting data as an existing database.
### Export a database
Exporting creates a portable copy of the database in the custom DC Works `.dcworks` format.
To export a database:
1. Select the checkbox beside the database.
2. Select **Export** from the toolbar.
3. Save the exported `.dcworks` file.
The exported file can be imported into another DC Works environment using the **Import** function.
{% hint style="info" %}
A `.dcworks` file is a DC Works-specific transfer format. It is not a spreadsheet or standard database file.
{% endhint %}
### Import a database
Use **Import** to add a database from a previously exported `.dcworks` file.
To import a database:
1. Select **Import** from the Databases toolbar.
2. Select the appropriate `.dcworks` file.
3. Complete the import process.
The imported database is added to the database list.
The **Import** control does not require an existing database to be selected.
### Filter the database list
Filters can reduce the databases displayed in the list.
To apply a filter:
1. Select **Filters**.
2. Select **Add Filter**.
3. Choose the database property to evaluate.
4. Choose the comparison operator.
5. Enter the comparison value.
6. Select **Apply**.
*Create a filter by selecting a database property, comparison operator, and value.*
For example, a filter can evaluate the database **Name** and display only matching databases.
Select **Add Filter** again to add another condition. A filter condition can also be selected and removed using **Delete**.
Filters are particularly useful when the database list contains many entries.
### Manage table permissions
Select **Permissions** from the Databases toolbar to control user access to the tables associated with the databases.
Permissions are assigned to individual tables—not to the database as a whole.
To manage table permissions:
1. Select **Permissions**.
2. Select the database and table.
3. Review the users listed for the selected table.
4. Assign the appropriate permission level.
5. Select **Save**.
*Select a database and table before assigning user permissions.*
The available permission levels are:
| Permission | Capabilities |
| ---------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Read | View records, see details, download images, and export data |
| Write | Includes Read permissions and allows records to be added, updated, deleted, restored, and imported |
| Admin | Includes Read and Write permissions and allows the table to be deleted or its structure changed |
A user with **Read** permission cannot:
* Modify records.
* Delete records.
* Add records.
* Change the table structure.
A user with **Write** permission cannot:
* Delete the table.
* Change the table structure.
The **Effective** column shows each user’s resulting permission level.
The checkboxes in the column headings can be used to apply a permission level to all listed users.
*The information control explains the capabilities included with Read, Write, and Admin permissions.*
{% hint style="warning" %}
Admin permission provides full control over the selected table, including the ability to delete it and change its structure. Assign it only to users who require those capabilities.
{% endhint %}
### Database-management summary
From the Databases screen, you can:
* Create a database.
* Open its tables.
* Rename or delete the database.
* Create a complete duplicate, including its tables, fields, and stored content.
* Export the database as a `.dcworks` file.
* Import a database from a `.dcworks` file.
* Filter the database list.
* Control access to individual tables.
The database provides the container for related information. Its actual data structure is created by adding tables and defining their fields.
### Next
Continue to **Create and Manage Tables** to add the first table to the **Equipment Checkout** database and review the controls available on the Tables screen.
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.amltd.com/dc-works/databases-and-tables/create-and-manage-databases.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.