> 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-tables.md).

# Create and Manage Tables

## Create and Manage Tables

Tables organize the records stored within a database. Each table contains fields that define its structure and records containing its data.

The **Tables** screen provides the controls needed to:

* Create tables.
* Open existing tables.
* Duplicate or delete tables.
* Manage table permissions.
* Filter the table list.

Tables can be created from scratch, from an imported file, or from a predefined template.

### Open the Tables screen

To access the tables within a database:

1. Select **Data** from the Main Navigation.
2. Select the name of the database.

The **Tables** screen opens and displays the tables contained in the selected database.

The navigation path identifies the open database:

> Databases » Database Name » Tables

<figure><img src="/files/QbosMDo3oYWcBzmaKwa5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*The Tables screen displays the tables contained in the selected database.*

### Tables toolbar

The toolbar at the top of the Tables screen contains the following controls:

| Control     | Purpose                                                     |
| ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Create      | Creates a table from scratch, by import, or from a template |
| Delete      | Permanently deletes the selected table                      |
| Duplicate   | Creates a complete copy of the selected table               |
| Permissions | Controls user access to individual tables                   |
| Filters     | Filters the tables displayed in the list                    |

Select the checkbox beside a table to activate controls that operate on that table.

Selecting the checkbox does not open the table. Select the table name to access its records.

### Create a table

Select **Create** to view the available table-creation methods:

* **From Scratch**
* **By Import**
* **Table Templates**

Choose a method based on whether the table structure will be defined manually, generated from existing data, or based on a predefined structure.

### Create a table from scratch

Use **From Scratch** when creating a new table directly in DC Works.

The process requires:

1. Entering a table name.
2. Adding the fields that define its structure.
3. Configuring the field types and settings.
4. Selecting the primary field.
5. Completing the table creation.

<figure><img src="/files/6NR1HTLhuiWjwUJNWbEs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*From Scratch allows the table and its fields to be defined directly in DC Works.*

Use a table name that clearly identifies the type of information it will contain.

Before defining its fields, determine what one record in the table represents. All fields should describe that same type of record.

Detailed field configuration is covered in **Define and Manage Table Fields**.

{% hint style="info" %}
The primary field provides the principal value used to identify or display a record. It does not automatically require every value in that field to be unique.
{% endhint %}

### System-generated fields

Every table automatically includes the following system-managed fields:

| System field  | Purpose                                           |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Row Key       | Provides the record’s unique system identifier    |
| Date Created  | Records when the record was created               |
| Last Modified | Records when the record was most recently changed |
| Created By    | Identifies the user who created the record        |

These fields are created automatically and do not need to be added manually.

System-generated fields may also be included when records are exported by selecting **Include Table Identifiers**.

### Create a table by import

Use **By Import** when the table fields and records already exist in a supported file.

DC Works supports:

* CSV
* Excel
* JSON

Creating a table by import adds both:

* The fields defined by the source file.
* The records contained in the source file.

The general process is:

1. Open the database that will contain the table.
2. Select **Create**.
3. Select **By Import**.
4. Select the source file.
5. Review the detected structure.
6. Complete the import.

<figure><img src="/files/mJlvRsyDFAmZPUgirCz7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*By Import creates a table using the fields and records contained in a supported file.*

After importing, review the resulting table to confirm that:

* The field names are correct.
* Each field uses the appropriate type.
* The correct primary field is selected.
* Dates and numbers were interpreted correctly.
* The expected records were imported.
* Values are stored in a consistent format.

### Create a table from a template

**Table Templates** provide predefined table structures for common uses.

The general process is:

1. Open the database that will contain the table.
2. Select **Create**.
3. Select **Table Templates**.
4. Review the available templates.
5. Select the appropriate template.
6. Complete the table creation.
7. Review and adjust the resulting fields as needed.

<figure><img src="/files/mKBMM7KEOwd1NNk30Exp" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Table Templates provide predefined structures that can be adapted to the intended process.*

New templates are added over time, so the available selections may change.

A template provides a starting structure. Review its fields and settings before using the table in an Applet.

### Open and navigate a table

Select the table name to open it.

The table interface contains three main views:

| View    | Purpose                                              |
| ------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| Records | Displays and manages active records                  |
| Fields  | Displays and manages the table structure             |
| Deleted | Displays records deleted within the previous 30 days |

The navigation path identifies the open database, table, and view:

> Databases » Database Name » Tables » Table Name » Records

<figure><img src="/files/gdGRdcBNP72FQRAWLhfs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

*Use Records, Fields, and Deleted to move between the table’s data, structure, and deleted records.*

Detailed instructions are provided in:

* **Define and Manage Table Fields**
* **Add and Manage Table Records**

### Duplicate a table

Use **Duplicate** to create a complete copy of an existing table.

The duplicate includes:

* The table.
* All table fields.
* All table records and stored content.

The duplicate does not include:

* Filters.
* Permissions.

To duplicate a table:

1. Select the checkbox beside the table.
2. Select **Duplicate**.
3. Allow DC Works to create the copy.
4. Review and rename the duplicated table as needed.
5. Configure its filters and permissions separately.

{% hint style="info" %}
Duplicating a table copies both its structure and its stored data. Review the copied records before using the duplicate for a different purpose.
{% endhint %}

Duplication is useful when another table requires the same structure and starting data as an existing table.

### Delete a table

Deleting a table permanently removes the table, its fields, and all records stored within it.

A table cannot be deleted while an Applet is using it.

To delete a table:

1. Select the checkbox beside the table.
2. Select **Delete**.
3. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

If the table is being used by an Applet, remove that dependency before attempting to delete the table again.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Deleting an entire table is permanent. The table and its contents are not moved to the Deleted Records view and cannot be restored.
{% endhint %}

### Understand deleted records

Deleting an individual record behaves differently from deleting an entire table.

When a record is deleted:

* It is removed from the active **Records** view.
* It is moved to **Deleted Records**.
* It remains available for up to 30 days.
* It can be restored during that period.
* It is permanently removed after 30 days.

Select **Deleted** from within the table to open the **Deleted Records** view.

To restore a record:

1. Open **Deleted Records**.
2. Select the record.
3. Select **Restore**.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Deleted records are retained for up to 30 days. After that period, they are permanently removed and can no longer be restored.
{% endhint %}

Record deletion and recovery are covered in greater detail in **Add and Manage Table Records**.

### Manage table permissions

Select **Permissions** to control user access to individual tables.

Permissions are assigned separately for each table.

| Permission | Capabilities                                                                                  |
| ---------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Read       | View records, see details, download images, and export data                                   |
| Write      | Includes Read access and allows records to be added, updated, deleted, restored, and imported |
| Admin      | Includes Read and Write access and allows the table to be deleted or its structure changed    |

Detailed permission instructions are provided in **Create and Manage Databases** under **Manage Table Permissions**.

### Filter the table list

Filters reduce the tables displayed on the Tables screen without modifying their structure or records.

To apply a filter:

1. Select **Filters**.
2. Select **Add Filter**.
3. Choose the table property to evaluate.
4. Choose the comparison operator.
5. Enter the comparison value.
6. Select **Apply**.

Select **Add Filter** again when more than one condition is required. A condition can be selected and removed using **Delete**.

Filters are particularly useful when a database contains many tables.

### Table-management summary

From the Tables screen, users can:

* Create tables from scratch.
* Create tables from CSV, Excel, or JSON files.
* Create tables from predefined templates.
* Open a table’s records and fields.
* Duplicate a table, including its fields and records.
* Permanently delete a table that is not being used by an Applet.
* Access and restore records deleted within the previous 30 days.
* Manage permissions for individual tables.
* Filter the table list.

### Next

Continue to **Define and Manage Table Fields** for detailed information about field types, primary fields, list fields, and field-management controls.


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