Creating Database Tables

Setting up your database is one of the first and most important steps when building a backend in Xano. Whether you prefer AI-assisted generation or hands-on manual creation, Xano gives you flexible options to get your tables up and running quickly.

Start with AI: The Getting Started Assistant

When you first set up your workspace, you can choose to create it with AI. Simply describe what you're building — for example, an Instagram clone — and Xano's AI will generate an entire database schema for you in seconds. You can preview your tables in spreadsheet view to see what your records might look like, continue refining the schema through conversation with the AI, or jump straight in by clicking Create.

Iterate with the Database Assistant

Once inside your workspace, you can use the Database Assistant at any time to add new tables or modify existing ones. Just describe what you need — like a followers table — and the assistant will outline the proposed changes for your approval. You review each suggestion individually and confirm the ones you want. It's a fast, low-friction way to evolve your data model as your project grows.

Creating Tables Manually

If you'd rather build from scratch, you can create a table manually by giving it a name, choosing a primary key type, and adding a description and tags for your own reference. Xano offers two primary key types: Sequential (simple incrementing numbers) and UUID (random alphanumeric strings). Sequential is the standard choice, while UUID is useful when linking records across multiple data sources or when added ID unpredictability is a security consideration. You can also opt to auto-generate default CRUD endpoints, giving you ready-made APIs to create, read, update, and delete records right away.

Adding Fields and Configuring Options

With your table created, you'll want to add fields by clicking the plus sign. Xano supports a wide variety of field types. For each field, you can configure a name and description, choose between a single value or a list, decide whether to allow null values, set a default value, and apply custom rules like trimming whitespace or enforcing minimum and maximum length. These rules are especially handy for fields like passwords where data validation matters.

Generating Sample Data

To test your setup, use the Generate Records feature to populate your table with up to 100 sample records at a time. You can control what kind of data fills each field, making it easy to simulate real-world scenarios without manually entering data.

Searching, Filtering, Sorting, and Views

Xano's database view lets you search records with plain text, apply filters based on field conditions, and sort by any field — even combining multiple sorts. You can save these configurations as named views and switch between them anytime. Sharing a table view with external collaborators is also supported, with access options ranging from a simple link to two-factor authentication.

Indexes, References, and Navigation

For large tables, adding indexes on frequently queried fields can significantly speed up data retrieval. You can also use the Show References feature to see where a table is used across your function stacks, and browse a list of keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation.