Retool Edit Table: Effortless Inline Editing

What Are Editable Tables in Retool?

Editable tables in Retool are dynamic components that allow users to interact with data directly within a table interface. These tables enable inline editing of rows or cells, ensuring data can be updated, added, or validated on the spot. With built-in features like custom validation, instant database syncing, and flexible edit types, editable tables transform how teams manage their workflows.

What Makes Retool Tables Stand Out?

• Dynamic Editing: Update rows or cells with ease.
• Custom Validation: Ensure only correct data is entered.
• Instant Sync: Changes reflect immediately in your database.

Step 1: Add a Table Component

‍To begin, drag the Table component onto your Retool canvas from the component library. This is the foundation of your editable table. Connect the table to a data resource such as a database, API, or spreadsheet. This integration ensures your table dynamically displays data and allows real-time updates. For instance, if you're working with a customer database, you can pull customer details into the table and make live edits that sync directly to your backend.

💡 Pro Tip: Use filters or queries to limit the data displayed in the table to only relevant records. For example, show only active users or orders placed within the last month. This keeps your interface clean and focused.

Step 2: Enable Editable Fields

Configure the table to allow inline editing. Choose the columns users can edit and set validation rules to maintain data integrity. For instance, enforce email format validation or restrict input to specific number ranges, keeping your data clean and accurate.

Step 3: Create Query Handle Data Changes

Next, build a query to update the data in your database. Once the update is successful, ensure the query refreshes the table data to reflect changes immediately.

Step 4: Create Save Action

‍In the Add-ons section, select Save Action and configure it to trigger the update query created in the previous step. This ensures changes made through the table are saved and applied to your database.

Outcome

Once everything is set up, you’ll have a fully functional editable table that makes data updates fast and seamless.

Advanced Features

Validation

To perform validation when editing data within a table, follow the same steps as above. However, you need to create one additional query: a JavaScript query to validate whether the data has been modified. Use this JavaScript query during the save action. When the JavaScript query succeeds, call the update query to save the changes.

Add new row within table

1. Add Row via Toolbar

1. In the Add-ons section, select the Toolbar component.
2. Choose the Add Row option to enable users to add new rows directly from the toolb.

2. Write an Insert Data Query

1. Create a new query to insert data into your database. This query will handle the newly added rows when a user adds them.
2. You can configure this query to insert the data into the relevant database or API.

3. Configure JavaScript Query

1. Create a JavaScript query to validate the data before saving it.
2. Use this JavaScript query to ensure that the data entered meets the required criteria (e.g., proper email format, valid number ranges).
3. Once the validation succeeds, trigger the insert query to save the data.

After setting up the process, users can add a new row directly in the table, and the data will be validated and saved accordingly.

Type of edit within table

Editable tables in Retool offer a variety of input types to suit diverse data management needs, enhancing flexibility and efficiency. Users can edit text fields for names or descriptions, input numeric values for quantities or prices, and use dropdown menus for predefined single or multiple selections. Checkboxes and toggle switches simplify managing boolean fields like task completion or feature activation, while date pickers ensure accurate scheduling and timelines. Advanced options like file uploads allow attaching documents or images directly, and rating inputs capture feedback or performance metrics seamlessly. These versatile editing options empower teams to manage data intuitively and maintain accuracy across workflows.

Conclusion

Editable tables in Retool simplify workflows and improve data accuracy. By integrating them into your apps, you empower users to manage information directly, saving time and reducing errors.

Ready to Build Your Custom Tools with Retool?

At Retoolers, we specialize in helping businesses like yours create powerful internal tools using Retool. Whether you need a custom dashboard, an admin panel, or a complete workflow automation solution, we've got the expertise to bring your ideas to life.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you optimize your operations with Retool. Contact Retoolers and let’s get started!