Getting Started

with QuickBase
 QuickBase is a low-code platform that
enables citizen developers to build,
customize, and connect business apps.

Getting Started This step-by-step guide will help you

learn the main features of QuickBase

with QuickBase and how to create an app in minutes.

Here are the 5 steps towards

successfully using QuickBase:

1 2 3 4 5

Learn the Log into your Know your Integrate with Become a
QuickBase QuickBase options for other apps power user
language account building apps
 1 Learn the QuickBase language

Apps

An app is a collection of tables with data, which can

be connected to each other and then used to generate
reports, charts, email notifications and other workflows.

Field

A field is an individual component of a record, just like the

column in a spreadsheet.

Form

A form is a way to display an individual record in a format that

can be more intuitive for a user who is uncomfortable with
large tables and reports.

Step 1: Learn the QuickBase language | 3

Integrations

Integrations give you the ability to connect with other cloud

apps, so that you can bring more of your data into QuickBase.

Notifications

Notifications are custom alerts that you can set up to keep

your team informed and on track.

Record

A record is an individual row of data that is stored on one of

the tables in your app. This could be a customer, purchase
order, student, project, or any other type of data.

Step 1: Learn the QuickBase language | 4

Relationship

A relationship is a connection between two tables of data.

It can be used to pass information about records from one
table to the other.

Reports

Reports are methods of organizing, visualizing, and sharing

your information. They come in the following forms: charts,
tables, summaries, calendars, timelines, and maps.

Step 1: Learn the QuickBase language | 5

Roles and Permissions

Roles and permissions are ways for you to control who can
see or edit data within your apps.

Table

A table is a collection of records and also the information

that a user wishes to track about each of these records.

Step 1: Learn the QuickBase language | 6

Icon Glossary

Everyone on the Internet can access this app.

 his app has been modified or new entries have been added to
T
it since you last opened it.

You are the Manager for this app.

You haven’t used this app yet (for example, it has just been

shared with you by another QuickBase user).

You have used this app and are not the


Application Manager.

This is a recommended app from QuickBase Exchange.


Click the app name to create a copy in your account and open
the new app.

This removes an app from your My Apps page.

This shares your app to QuickBase Exchange.

This permanently deletes your app.

This signifies a table connected with an external cloud app.

Step 1: Learn the QuickBase language | 7

 2 Log into your QuickBase account

Your “My Apps” Page From this page you can also:

By logging into www.quickbase.com, you’ll be taken to • Access QuickBase Exchange to download

your “My Apps” page. My Apps is your personal workspace ready-to use apps
for creating and organizing your apps in QuickBase and a • Create an app
great place to get familiar with the platform’s capabilities • Ask questions in the community
you’ll use to manage your new apps.
• Utilize help resources
Here you can find current apps that you have downloaded, • Change preferences
created, or that have been shared with you.
• Manage billing
• Check app updates

Step 2: Log into your QuickBase account | 8

 3 Know your options for building an app

Four different ways

There are four different ways that you can build your own fully
functioning QuickBase app! Take a look at the options below,
and choose the one that works the best for you and your team:

Create an app by uploading spreadsheets Build an app from scratch

Download a pre-built app from the Exchange Work with expert partners to build a custom app

Step 3: Know your options for building an app | 9

 Find the right option for you to build your app

Do you have time and resources

to build your custom app?

Do you have an idea

No Yes of how you want to
arrange your data?

Work with an
expert partner
No Yes

The Exchange

Do you have existing data in

spreadsheets or other programs?

No Yes

Build from scratch Upload spreadsheets

Step 3: Know your options for building an app | 10

 Creating an app by uploading spreadsheets

This option is meant to allow users to either paste Step 1: Format your spreadsheet for import by deleting blank
columns and rows of data from their clipboard, or fields and titles (Note: columns become fields and rows
to actually import a spreadsheet file into QuickBase. become individual records)
QuickBase will create a one table application and load all
Step 2: On the My Apps page, click “Create a new app”
of the data from the spreadsheet into that table.
Step 3: Select “Import a spreadsheet to create a new app” from
Once your data is imported, your app functions like a
the dialogue box
relational database, which enables you to divide data into
separate tables that are linked to each other. Step 4: Copy and paste, or import your spreadsheet by
uploading a file

Step 5: Select next, then review the preview results to make

sure the field types are correct

Step 6: Select “Create” (Note: your app is now a working app,

but you can continue to customize as desired.)

Close-up of Step 3: Select “Import a spreadsheet to

create a new app”

Step 3: Know your options for building an app | 11

 Download a pre-built app template from the Exchange

The Exchange is a repository of apps that have been Step 1: On the My Apps page, click on QuickBase Exchange
submitted by QuickBase customers, users, developers,
Step 2: O
 nce in the Exchange, use the search tool or the
or partners, and can be further edited to fit your needs.
categories tool to find an app similar to your needs
Any user can create their own copy of an app template by
downloading it from the Exchange. Step 3: Click on any app to view the details, including a
description, preview images, reviews and more
Apps from QuickBase Exchange can be used as they are,
as a starting point for more customized solutions or as an Step 4: Select the green “Get this app” button to download your
inspiration for apps build from scratch. copy of the app

Step 5: Explore the app, add, rename, delete tables and fields to
fit your unique workflows, customize the homepage with
different reports, and delete sample data

Close-up of Step 1: On the My Apps page,

click on QuickBase Exchange

Step 3: Know your options for building an app | 12

 Build an app from scratch

Building an app from scratch allows you to define the Step 1: On the My Apps page, click “Create a new app”
tables, fields and relationships that comprise it. Create
Step 2: Select “Build a new app from scratch” from the
an app that maps exactly to your unique needs and
dialogue box
processes, no coding required.
Step 3: Choose the “Database” method
Our no-code and low-code capabilities make it easy for
citizen developers to quickly build apps without writing a Step 4: Name your application, add any tables, records, and
single line of code. fields you’d like to begin with and press “create”

Step 5: When building from scratch the order is up to you, but

some steps to consider include: Adding data to your
tables, editing the settings of your app, adding new
tables and relationships, and adding reporting.

Close-up of Step 3: Choose the “Database” method

Step 3: Know your options for building an app | 13

 Work with an expert partner to build a custom app

If you need help building or designing a QuickBase

application or if you don’t have the resources to do it in-
house, a QuickBase Solution Provider (QSP) can help you. To find a QSP who fits your needs,
visit the website and search by business
QSPs are QuickBase partners who work to deliver your and technical skills, region, and language.
exact requirements and can help extend your app’s
functionality with custom-made add-ons.
Looking for QSP recommendations?
Contact us here.

Step 3: Know your options for building an app | 14

 4 Integrate with other apps

There are three ways to integrate your data

1.) QuickBase Sync
Easily integrate QuickBase with top cloud apps such
as QuickBooks, Salesforce, Zendesk, and more to
save time and make better decisions. QuickBase
Sync is a powerful (and free) data integration
capability built within QuickBase, allowing you to
instantly bring in all of the data you need and have it
sync automatically.

2.) QuickBase API

Create custom integrations using the QuickBase API

3.) QuickBase Add-ons

Use add-ons created by our expert QuickBase
partners to augment your apps and take their
functionality further.

Step 4: Integrate with other apps | 15

 5 12 steps to becoming a power user

Beginner Intermediate
  1 .) Start a new app through your chosen method   5.) Set up a custom notification
• Step-by-step documentation • How-to video

  2.) C
 hange the name of an app or table   6 .) Add and customize a report for your data
• How-to video • How-to video
• Step-by-step documentation
  3.) Add a custom field
• How-to video   7 .) Set custom roles and permissions for app users
• Step-by-step documentation • Step-by-step documentation on roles
• Step-by-step documentation on permissions
  4.) S
 hare your app with a new team member
• Step-by-step documentation   8 .) Publish a form
• How-to video
• Step-by-step documentation

Step 5: 12 steps to becoming a power user | 16

Advanced
View our Best Practices webinar series
  9 .) Compile reports and charts onto your dashboard
• How-to video
Part 1: O
 rganizing Data –
Dashboards & Reports
• Step-by-step documentation
Part 2: R
 oles/Permissions
  1 0 .) Define a relationship between two or more tables and Customizing Forms
• Step-by-step documentation
Part 3: N
 otifications, Subscriptions,
and Reminders
  1 1 .) S
 et up a custom formula
• Step-by-step documentation eBook: Best Practices to Improve
Your End User Experience
  1 2 .) Create a connected table to a third-party app
• Step-by-step documentation

Step 5: 12 steps to becoming a power user | 17

Resources

Speak directly with our support team Community Forum

Are you stuck and want some one-on-one guidance? Explore the QuickBase Community, where experienced
Talk with a member of our support team to get help. developers and QuickBase staffers share tips and tricks.
You can search for a solution or post your own problem
Contact them here
for discussion.

QuickBase Help
Demos
If you ever have a question while using QuickBase, click
Another great resource for getting started is our webinar
the “Help” button on the top right hand side to instantly
series. Webinars are held daily and titles include:
access your resources. Search the online help to find
• New Customer Orientation • Learn QuickBase in
step-by-step instructions that range from creating a new
Minutes • Learn QuickBase for Sales and Support
report to setting up a custom dashboard.
• Learn QuickBase for Projects • Customizing Your
QuickBase • QuickBase Tips and Tricks

View available webinars here

How-to videos

Access our playlist of quick two-minute how-to videos to

get an idea of key functionality within QuickBase.
Click here to search the online Help portal
View the playlist

Resources | 18