Getting started

NocoDB is available in two variants: self-hosted and cloud-hosted (SaaS). This guide walks you through getting started with either option.

New to NocoDB? We recommend starting with the cloud-hosted option. New users can explore the platform's features on the free plan.

Self Hosted

Self-hosting gives you full control over your data and infrastructure. You can run NocoDB on your own server or a cloud provider of your choice.

SaaS (Cloud Hosted)

Sign up for a NocoDB account

  1. Visit the NocoDB website.
  2. Click on the Start For Free button in the top right corner.
  3. Sign up using your Google account or email address.
  4. Verify your account using the link sent to your email.

Once signed up, you'll land on the NocoDB dashboard with a default workspace ready to use.

Build a Base

A base is your database — it contains tables, fields, and relationships. Create a new base or import an existing one from Airtable.

Create Tables

Tables store your data in rows and columns, like a spreadsheet. Add new tables to your base, or import from CSV, Excel, or JSON.

Add Fields

Fields are columns that hold a specific type of data — text, numbers, dates, attachments, and more. Use the multi-fields editor to add, edit, reorder, and configure fields in bulk.

Establish Relationships between Tables

Connect related data across tables using Link To Another Record fields. For example, link "Tasks" to a "Project" by creating an LTAR field in the "Projects" table that points to the "Tasks" table.

Add Records

Add records manually or upload data from CSV files.

Create views

Views let you display and interact with data in different layouts. Create multiple views per table, each with its own fields, filters, and sort order. Available view types: Grid, Form, Gallery, Kanban, Calendar, Timeline, List, and Map.

Connect your data sources

Already have data in an external database? Connect your existing data sources and work with them through NocoDB's spreadsheet interface.

Collaborate with your team

Invite team members to your workspace and share bases with them. Assign roles and permissions to control access at workspace, base, table, and field levels.

Want to share publicly? Create a public link or embed your base on your website.

Automate your workflows

NocoDB provides multiple ways to automate repetitive tasks:

  • Workflows: Build visual automations with triggers, actions, conditions, and loops
  • Scripts: Write JavaScript to automate operations across tables, fields, and records
  • Webhooks: Send notifications to external services on record changes

Extend with dashboards and apps

  • Dashboards: Create visual dashboards with chart widgets, numbers, text, and iframes
  • Extensions: Add functionality with Bulk Update, Data Exporter, Dedupe, Org Chart, Page Designer, and more

Use AI to work faster

NocoAI helps you create bases, tables, fields, views, filters, formulas, and select options using natural language.

Create documents with NocoDocs

NocoDocs is a built-in document editor with rich text formatting, comments, AI writing assistance, and granular permissions.