Databases
A database is like a smart spreadsheet: it has columns across the top and rows of entries below, just like Excel or Google Sheets — but with built-in AI, several ways to view the same data, and live updates so your whole team sees changes as they happen. Databases live inside Spaces and hold the actual data you work with.
Image: A database in grid view showing records with multiple column types
Before you start
- You have a Space to put the database in (create one first if you don't).
- You know roughly what data you want to track (you can add or change columns later).
Create a database
- Open a Space from the sidebar (or create one first).
- Click "+ New Database".
- Give your database a clear name (for example, "Contacts", "Sales Pipeline", or "Task Board").
- Add the columns you need — pick a column type for each one (text, number, date, and so on).
- Click "Create".
You can always add, remove, or change columns later.
Image: Creating a new database with name and column setup
Not sure which columns to add? Use a Database Template to start with a ready-made structure, or try AI Database Setup and let the AI design the structure for you.
What's inside a database
Every database contains:
| Element | What it is |
|---|---|
| Columns | The fields that define your data (text, number, date, status, and so on). |
| Records | Individual entries — each one is also a full page with an editor, icon, and content. |
| Views | Different ways to look at the same data — List, Grid, Kanban, Calendar, or Form. |
System columns
Every database automatically includes three built-in columns that the system fills in for you:
| Column | What it's for |
|---|---|
id | A unique number for each record, counted up automatically. |
created_at | The date and time the record was created. |
updated_at | The date and time the record was last changed. |
These are always present and can't be renamed or deleted.
Page content columns
Every database also has two hidden columns that power the document-style record pages:
- nirvai_content — The rich text body of each record (saved in markdown, a simple text format that keeps formatting like headings and lists).
- nirvai_icon — The icon shown next to each record's title.
These don't show up in your views, but they're there when you open any record as a page.
Customize a database
Icon
Click the icon next to the database name to open the icon picker. You can choose from:
| Icon type | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Emoji | Any emoji character | 📋, 🎯, 💰 |
| Lucide icon | A built-in icon from the Lucide icon set | Table, Users, ShoppingCart |
| Custom upload | Your own image, shared across your organization | Company logo, custom graphic |
Renaming
Right-click the database in the sidebar and select "Rename", or click the database name directly to edit it in place.
Description
Each database can have an optional description that appears at the top of the view. It's handy for noting what the database is for, or leaving instructions for the people you share it with.
Reordering
Drag and drop databases within a space to arrange them in the order that works for you. The order is remembered between sessions.
Manage columns
Adding columns
You can add columns to an existing database at any time:
- In Grid view, click the "+" button at the end of the column headers.
- Or use the column settings menu.
Image: Adding a new column to an existing database
Modifying columns
Click a column header to open its options:
- Rename — Change the column name.
- Change type — Switch it to a different column type.
- Duplicate — Make a copy of the column.
- Delete — Remove the column and its data.
Changing a column's type can erase data if the existing values don't fit the new type. For example, switching a Text column to Number clears any values that aren't numbers.
For the full list of all 17 column types and their settings, see Column Types.
Export data
You can download your database data as a CSV file (a plain spreadsheet file you can open in Excel or Google Sheets):
- Whole database — Download every record from the database menu.
- Current view — Export only the columns and records you can see in your active view.
Image: Export menu showing CSV export options
Share a database
You can share a database with your organization or with people outside it:
| Method | Who it's for | What they can do |
|---|---|---|
| Org Sharing | Everyone in your organization | Full editing (records, columns, views) |
| Public Views | Anyone with the link | View only, on one specific view |
| Guest Access | People you invite by email | View or edit, on one specific view |
Delete a database
Right-click the database in the sidebar and select "Delete".
Deleting a database permanently removes all of its records, views, and connections. This can't be undone. If the database is shared with your organization, only the owner or an organization admin can delete it.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| The "+ New Database" button is missing | Open a space first — databases are always created inside a space. |
| Changing a column type wiped my values | Some values don't fit the new type (for example, words can't become numbers). Change the type back, or fix the values before switching. |
| I can't delete a shared database | Only the owner or an organization admin can delete a database that's shared with your organization. |
| My CSV export is missing some records | "Current view" only exports what's loaded and visible. Use the whole database export to get every record. |
What's next
- Records & the page editor — each record opens as a full page (a subpage) you can write on
- Views — show your data as a list, grid, board, or calendar
- Agent Tasks — assign an AI agent to each record to run instructions automatically