Tables are the foundation of any Zoho Analytics workspace. Every report, chart, and dashboard is built on data stored in tables. This guide explains the different ways to create a table and what to consider when setting one up.

Table Creation Methods

Zoho Analytics offers four primary ways to create a table within a workspace:

1. Import from Files and Feeds

Upload data from files stored on your computer or from a web feed URL. Supported file types include CSV, TSV, Excel (.xls and .xlsx), XML, JSON, and HTML. This is the most common starting point for users who already have data in spreadsheets.

2. Import from Cloud Storage

Connect directly to cloud storage services including Zoho Docs, Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive. Import files in CSV, Excel, JSON, HTML, or zip format from these platforms without downloading them locally first.

3. Design from Scratch

Define the table structure before adding any data. You specify each column name, data type, default values, and other properties during setup. This approach is best when you know your schema in advance and plan to enter data manually or via the API.

4. Enter Data Directly

For users more comfortable with spreadsheets, this method lets you start typing data straight away using auto-generated column names. You can rename columns later by double-clicking the column header. No schema setup is required upfront.

Required Information

Regardless of the creation method, every table requires a unique name within the workspace. A description is optional but recommended for clarity, particularly in shared workspaces with multiple contributors.

Column Design Options

When designing a table from scratch, you can configure the following for each column:

• Column name - Must be unique within the table.
• Data type - Determines what values are accepted (text, number, date, etc.).
• Mandatory field - Flag whether a value is required on every row.
• Default value - A value automatically assigned if no input is provided.
• Lookup column - Link the column to a related column in another table.
• Column description - A brief note explaining the column's purpose.

After Creating a Table

Once a table is saved, the Edit Design page becomes your central area for managing the table structure. It is organised into three sections: Columns, Lookups, and Formulas. You can return here at any time to modify the table schema or add calculated columns.