# About Custom Data in ConnectiveOne

**Custom Data** is your own **tables** inside the platform. You define structure (fields / columns), fill **rows** manually or via import — and processes can read, search, and store data. It replaces external sheets (Google Sheets, Excel) that need separate integration.

The **v2 UI** is a single workspace: **Tables** list on the left, records table in the center, **Custom Data model editor** for structure, **Data import** wizard for loading. Legacy tabs Create/Update, Groups, and Data are replaced by **Menu → Custom Data** navigation.

**Typical uses:**
- Store directory — bot shows addresses by city
- CSAT after dialogs — ratings in a table for reports
- Callback requests — operators see a list
- Categories, VIP lists, any automation directories

---

## Core concepts

### Table

A **table** is the main module entity (also called a “model”). Like a spreadsheet: **fields** are columns, **rows** are records.

**Typical v2 flow:**
1. **Create table** — landing `/templates`: **Starters**, **From scratch**, **Ask AI**, **From file (Excel/CSV)**
2. Define fields in the **Custom Data model editor**
3. Fill **rows** — manually, **Data import**, or from a process
4. Browse in **Table** / **Board**, **Saved views**, filters

**Example:** Stores table with city, address, phone, hours fields.

### Fields and semantic types

Each field has a **Type** (text, number, email, **Table relation**, system **User** / **Subject**, etc.). Full list — [Semantic field types reference](/en/customdata/reference/semantic-field-types-reference.md).

### Rows (records)

A **row** is one record (one store, one request). Edit in the grid, **Card** side panel, or via process.

### Groups (two meanings)

- **Group** in **Model metadata** — table category in **Custom Data models** (no separate Groups tab).
- **Record card groups** — Accordion sections in the side panel; created on **Field display**.

### Links between tables

**Table relation** stores another Custom Data record ID and shows its label (e.g. product category).

### v2 workspace

| UI element | Purpose |
|------------|---------|
| **Tables** (sidebar) | Navigate tables and **Saved views** |
| Records table | **Filter**, **Sort**, **Columns**, **Table** / **Board** |
| **Custom Data model editor** | Fields, charts, UI, **Process usage** |
| **Data import** | File or Google Sheets, preview, append / clear-then-import |
| **Trash** | Soft-deleted tables — **Restore** or **Delete permanently** |

### Advanced features

Inline charts, **Highlighting**, **Total row**, **Macros**, advanced JSON — [Advanced Custom Data cases](/en/customdata/explanation/advanced-custom-data-cases.md), [Advanced model options](/en/customdata/reference/advanced-model-options-reference.md).

**Large tables** (hundreds of thousands of rows and more) stay available: if the chosen sort is not ready for a fast open, records are shown in a safe order with an explanation. Why this matters and how Custom Data compares — [Compared to other approaches](/en/customdata/explanation/custom-data-vs-other-approaches.md), [How large tables work](/en/customdata/explanation/how-large-custom-data-tables-work.md).

### Client card extension

Prefer **Client Fields** (Settings) for new projects. Custom Data contact extension is for legacy setups.

---

## Saving data from processes

1. **Automatic** — Save to Custom Data on input blocks. → [Save data from a scenario](/en/customdata/how-to/save-data-from-scenario.md)
2. **Process actions** — custom_modules set/get/update. → [Use the process tab](/en/customdata/how-to/use-scenario-tab-on-model.md)

---

## Benefits

- **In-platform tables** — structure, import, v2 workspace browsing
- **Processes read and write** — directories and requests in automation
- **Import and Google Sheets** — bulk load with preview

---

## Tips

1. Plan **fields** before import — changing types later may trigger **Review changes before save**.
2. For search — **Text**, **Email**, **List**; for comments — **Long text**.
3. Add a unique field (email, code) for process lookup.
4. Try **Starters** or **Ask AI** for your first table.
5. Save frequent filters as a **Saved view**.

---

## Custom Data and other data approaches

If you compare Custom Data with Google Sheets, automation-builder tables, or CRM — see [About Custom Data compared to other approaches](/en/customdata/explanation/custom-data-vs-other-approaches.md).

---

## Related documents

- [About Custom Data compared to other approaches](/en/customdata/explanation/custom-data-vs-other-approaches.md)
- [How large tables work](/en/customdata/explanation/how-large-custom-data-tables-work.md)
- [Integrator Hub](/en/customdata/integrator-hub.md)
- [Create a table](/en/customdata/how-to/create-model.md)
- [Semantic field types reference](/en/customdata/reference/semantic-field-types-reference.md)
- [Patterns and examples](/en/customdata/explanation/custom-data-patterns-and-examples.md)
- [Advanced cases](/en/customdata/explanation/advanced-custom-data-cases.md)