# Getting Started > Part of the NocoDB documentation (Product docs). Index of all pages: https://nocodb.com/llms.txt. Any docs page is available as Markdown by adding `.md` to its URL. URL: https://nocodb.com/docs/product/getting-started Last updated: 2026-09-25 NocoDB is available in two variants: **self-hosted** and **cloud-hosted** (SaaS). This guide walks you through getting started with either option. ## 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. * [Installation](/docs/self-hosting/installation/quickstart) * [Environment Variables](/docs/self-hosting/environment-variables) * [Upgrading](/docs/self-hosting/maintenance/upgrading) ## SaaS (Cloud Hosted) ### Sign up for a NocoDB account 1. Visit the [NocoDB website](https://www.nocodb.com). 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](/docs/product/bases/create-base) or [import an existing one from Airtable](/docs/product/bases/import-base-from-airtable). #### Create Tables Tables store your data in rows and columns, like a spreadsheet. [Add new tables](/docs/product/tables/table-operations/create-table) to your base, or [import from CSV, Excel, or JSON](/docs/product/tables/table-operations/create-table-via-import). #### Add Fields Fields are columns that hold a specific type of data — text, numbers, dates, attachments, and [more](/docs/product/tables/fields). Use the [multi-fields editor](/docs/product/tables/fields/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](/docs/product/tables/fields/field-types/links-based/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](/docs/product/tables/records/create-record) or [upload data from CSV](/docs/product/tables/table-operations/import-data-into-existing-table) files. #### Create views Views let you display and interact with data in different layouts. [Create multiple views](/docs/product/tables/views/create-view) per table, each with its own fields, filters, and sort order. Available view types: [Grid](/docs/product/tables/views/view-types/grid), [Form](/docs/product/tables/views/view-types/form), [Gallery](/docs/product/tables/views/view-types/gallery), [Kanban](/docs/product/tables/views/view-types/kanban), [Calendar](/docs/product/tables/views/view-types/calendar), [Timeline](/docs/product/tables/views/view-types/timeline), [Gantt](/docs/product/tables/views/view-types/gantt), [List](/docs/product/tables/views/view-types/list), and [Map](/docs/product/tables/views/view-types/map). #### Connect your data sources Already have data in an external database? [Connect your existing data sources](/docs/product/integrations/data-sources) and work with them through NocoDB's spreadsheet interface. ### Collaborate with your team [Invite team members to your workspace](/docs/product/collaboration/workspace-collaboration) and [share bases with them](/docs/product/collaboration/base-collaboration). [Assign roles and permissions](/docs/product/collaboration/roles-and-permissions) to control access at workspace, base, table, and field levels. Want to share publicly? [Create a public link](/docs/product/bases/share-base) or [embed your base](/docs/product/bases/share-base#embeddable-frame) on your website. ### Automate your workflows NocoDB provides multiple ways to automate repetitive tasks: * **[Workflows](/docs/workflows)**: Build visual automations with triggers, actions, conditions, and loops * **[Scripts](/docs/workflows/scripts)**: Write JavaScript to automate operations across tables, fields, and records * **[Webhooks](/docs/product/tables/table-operations/webhook)**: Send notifications to external services on record changes ### Extend with dashboards and apps * **[Dashboards](/docs/product/dashboards)**: Create visual dashboards with chart widgets, numbers, text, and iframes * **[Extensions](/docs/product/extensions)**: Add functionality with Bulk Update, Data Exporter, Dedupe, Org Chart, Page Designer, and more ### Use AI to work faster [NocoAI](/docs/product/noco-ai) is the AI assistant built into NocoDB. Open it from the **NocoAI** button at the bottom-right of any base and ask it to build tables and views, answer questions about your data, or update records. See [what NocoAI can do](/docs/product/noco-ai/capabilities). Create a table to track [tasks] with the fields a small team would need Add a few sample records to this table so I can try things out Create a kanban view of this table grouped by [Status] What can you help me do in this base? ### Create documents with NocoDocs [NocoDocs](/docs/product/docs) is a built-in document editor with rich text formatting, comments, AI writing assistance, and granular permissions. ## Good to know * New to NocoDB? We recommend starting with the cloud-hosted option. New users can explore the platform's features on the **free plan**. --- ## Related pages - [NocoDB Terminologies](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/getting-started/terminologies.md) - [Keyboard Shortcuts](https://nocodb.com/docs/product/getting-started/keyboard-shortcuts.md)