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Column Types

Once a table exists, you can extend it with additional columns. To add a new column, start typing in a cell immediately to the right of the table — Lido will detect that you are adding a column and handle the rest.

Overview​

Column TypeDescriptionHow to create
ComputedFormula applied per row; values recalculate automaticallyType a formula (e.g., =Orders[@Price] * Orders[@Quantity]) next to the table
LinkedValues stored per unique ID; each row can have a different value or formulaLido creates this when appropriate based on the table's ID column
PlainNo formula; intended for manual data entryType a plain value next to the table

Computed Columns​

A computed column applies the same formula to every row in the table. When you type a formula in a cell next to a table, Lido automatically wraps it in a COMPUTEDCOLUMN.

Column References​

Use TableName[@ColumnName] syntax to reference values in other columns of the same row:

=Orders[@Amount] * Orders[@Tax Rate]

Lido evaluates this for each row, resolving [@Amount] and [@Tax Rate] to the values in that row.

Template Strings​

You can use {ColumnName} placeholders for simple string construction:

{First Name} {Last Name}

Restrictions​

The formula inside a computed column cannot contain table-creating formulas like COMPUTEDCOLUMN, LINKEDCOLUMN, MAKETABLE, RANGETABLE, or PLAINCOLUMN.

Under the Hood​

Lido generates a formula like:

=COMPUTEDCOLUMN(Orders[@Subtotal] * (1 + Orders[@Tax Rate]), "Orders", "Total")

Parameters: (formula, table_name, column_name), with an optional fourth parameter reference_column_name to control row count.

Linked Columns​

A linked column stores independent values per row, keyed by a unique ID column. Unlike computed columns (where every row uses the same formula), each row in a linked column can have a different value or formula.

Use Cases​

  • Per-record notes or overrides
  • Row-specific formulas that differ between rows
  • Data that is manually adjusted on a per-row basis but keyed to a stable ID

How It Works​

  • Values are stored separately, keyed by the ID column value
  • Each entry can be plain text or a formula (starting with =)
  • The ID column must have unique values — duplicates cause an error
  • When the ID value changes for a row, the linked value follows the ID

Under the Hood​

Lido generates a formula like:

=LINKEDCOLUMN("Clients", "Client ID", "Custom Notes", "a1b2c3d4-...")

Parameters: (table_name, id_column_name, column_name, lc_id). The lc_id is a UUID auto-generated by Lido.

Plain Columns​

A plain column is an empty column for manual data entry. No formula is applied — users type values directly into the cells.

Use Cases​

  • Status fields updated manually (e.g., "Approved", "Rejected")
  • Notes and comments attached to each row
  • Data that doesn't come from an external source and doesn't need calculation

Under the Hood​

Lido generates a formula like:

=PLAINCOLUMN("Invoices", "Reviewed By")

Parameters: (table_name, column_name), with an optional third parameter reference_column_name to control row count.

Choosing the Right Column Type​

ScenarioColumn Type
Calculate a value from other columnsComputed
Store different values/formulas per row, keyed by IDLinked
Let users type in values manuallyPlain
Pull all values from an external sourceUse an External Data Source

Combining Column Types​

A single table can have multiple column types. For example, a Products table might have source columns from an external data connection, a computed Revenue column, a plain Notes column, and a linked Override Price column.