Learn how to set default values for new rows in Coda. Use our helpful builder or write a formula to designate a default column value.
Sometimes we want our columns to work for us a bit. Default values allow us to pre-determine column values for new rows. Maybe you’re creating a to-do list and you’d like for the Status column of every new row to be set to ‘Not Started’ - this would be a great time to use default values!
Within this article, you’ll find...
Default column values
To set a default value for a column, right-click on the column header and select Column options. Once in the column options, scroll down to Value for new rows. Here you can select the default value you would like to use or write a formula if you’d like to have more variables or dependencies. Now each time a new row is added, the column value of the new row will be pre-filled with the default value.
In the case of the to-do list mentioned above, maybe our Status column is a Select list. When we click right click on the column header then select Column options, we can scroll down to Value for new rows, and then select which status we want new rows to default to. We would select ‘Not Started’. Any new rows will have their status set as ‘Not started’.
Use a formula for a default column value
You can also use a formula to set the default column value. For instance, if you had a Due Date column and you wanted any new row added to the table's Due Date column to be 7 days after the row was added, you would use a formula.
To do so, visit the Column Options (in this instance the option would read Date Options). Click the f to the right of Value for new rows. The formula builder will open, in the formula builder use the formula: thisRow.Created()+Days(7). Any new row added to the table will have the date that is 7 days after the row was created in the Due Date column.
Need to push your due date back? No problem! A fundamental difference between a column formula and default value formula is that a value determined by a default value formula can be changed. A column formula is determining the values for the column at all times, and can only be changed by changing the formula or the components of the formula.
FAQs
Can I use a formula to set the default value for a column?
Yes! You can use a formula to set the default value by clicking the F button to the right of Value for new rows in Column options.
Can I change the value for a given row, after the row is created?
Yes! The default value setting applies the designated value for the row, but it is not set in stone. The value for that row can then be changed, just like any editable value in a Coda table.
How is setting a default value for a column different than a column formula?
A column formula automatically sets values for all rows in that column. The only way to edit the values is by changing the formula, or components of the formula.
The default value feature (covered in this article) allows you to set a value that is instantly assigned whenever a new row is created. This value can then be changed however you desire at any point in time.