Data tables

Create a table

Create from the command palette, or type `/table` in a doc.

Three ways to create

Tables in Kition are first-class entities — not blocks inside a doc, but standalone records that sit alongside your .md files. The three entry points map to three different mental models: by capability, in-flow while writing, or by folder structure.

Command palette → Cmd+K → "New table" — best when starting fresh
Inline /table in a doc — drop a mini table tied to the current paragraph
Right-click vault tree → "New table here" — place it inside a specific folder

The setup wizard

Creating a new table launches a lightweight wizard: name it, pick a starter template (Blank, Task tracker, CRM, Reading list, Bug log), then jump straight into editing. Templates are just pre-filled fields — change or delete columns at will after the fact.

Kition does not enforce schema-first design. Start with a few text columns, accumulate data, and tighten types later. When you change a column type, existing values get coerced when possible; coercion failures stay as strings and get flagged.

Where tables live on disk

Each table is its own <vault>/Tables/<name>.kitable file — rows, view definitions, filters, sorts, and group state all in one place. One table, one file: copy it, back it up, share it on its own.

Want raw access? kition table export <name> --format json (or --format csv) dumps the whole table without opening the app.

# Inspect a vault from the command line
kition --vault . table list

projects       42 rows   updated 2026-06-04
reading       128 rows   updated 2026-06-06
bug_log        17 rows   updated 2026-06-07

# Export one table as JSON for scripting
kition --vault . table export projects --format json > projects.json

Naming conventions

Use short plural nouns — Projects, Contacts, Bugs, not Project Tracker 2026
Skip spaces — {{table:projects}} reads cleaner than {{table:project tracker}} in agent prompts
Merge synonymous entities — one Reading list beats Reading + Bookmarks split
Cap a vault at roughly 30 tables — more usually means you should consolidate or use a select field

← Back to help center More in Data tables →

Field types overview

12+ types: text, number, date, select, attachment, AI, doc-link, and more.

Creating and switching views

Grid / Kanban / Calendar / Gallery — same table, many views.