Databases in Arka are powerful, structured engines for managing complex data. From task tracking to high-volume research archives, our databases offer 10 unique views and advanced automation.
The Multi-View Engine
One dataset, infinite possibilities. Switch between views instantly to see your data from different perspectives.
- Table View: The classic high-density grid for rapid data entry and property management.
- Board (Kanban): Organize tasks by status, priority, or category using drag-and-drop cards.
- Gallery View: A visual first layout, perfect for mood boards, design assets, and cover-heavy archives.
- Timeline & Calendar: Track deadlines and project milestones across linear or monthly layouts.
- Map & Feed: Specialized views for geographical data points and content-heavy streams.
Initializing your database
Databases in Arka are deeply integrated into the editor. Here is the standard flow to create your first database:
- Create a Note: Start by creating a new note or opening an existing one where you want the database to live.
- Add Database Block: Type `/database` in the editor to bring up the command menu and select the Database Block.
- Configure Schema: Once the block appears, you can immediately begin adding columns, defining property types, and entering your records.
- Full-Page Access: Need more space? Click the Expand icon on the database block to open it in a dedicated full-page view for deep focused work.
Smart Properties & Formulas
Every cell is intelligent. Customize your schema with a wide range of property types and powerful Excel-like logic.
- Native Property Types: Select from Text, Number, Checkbox, Multi-Select, Status, Date, Person, and File/Image attachments.
- Advanced Formula System: Use the Formula Editor to perform complex calculations, string manipulations, and conditional logic across your rows.
- System Metadata: Automatically track row IDs, creation times, and last edited timestamps for every entry.
Zero-Trust Data Protection
Structured data deserves high-level security. Arka applies our signature Zero-Trust model to every database row.
- Row-Level Encryption: Every single cell value and the page content of a row is encrypted on the client side using AES-GCM.
- Secure Metadata: Schema definitions and view configurations are protected, ensuring your data structure remains private.
- Workspace ACLs: Mathematical access control ensures that only authorized workspace members can decrypt and view sensitive records.
Workflow Automations
Let Arka do the heavy lifting. Set up triggers and actions to automate your recurring workflows.
- Triggers: Fire automations based on status changes, date deadlines, or when a specific property is updated.
- Global Actions: Automatically move rows across views, update linked records, or trigger notifications across your workspace.
- Integration Hooks: Connect your database events to external services for a seamless workflow.
AI-Powered Insights
Your data is searchable by intent, not just keywords.
- Database AI Chat: Use the dedicated sidebar to ask questions about your data, generate summaries, or even create new rows using natural language.
- Semantic Discovery: Find related records instantly using AI-powered vector embeddings that understand the context of your entries.
- Automatic Tagging: Let AI suggest and apply tags to new database entries based on their content.
Real-Time Sync & Collaboration
Teamwork without friction. Collaborate live on the same dataset with millisecond-accurate sync.
- Live Mode: Toggle high-performance Yjs-powered sync for real-time multiplayer editing.
- Conflict Resolution: Our transactional update system ensures that multiple users can type in the same row without overwriting each other.
- Presence Indicators: See who is viewing or editing specific cells in real-time.
How to Build an Intelligent Database
Transform your data into an interactive engine with these steps:
- Inside any note, type `/database` and select the Database block.
- Define Properties: Click the (+) icon on the right side of the table to add columns (Text, Number, Date, Status).
- Add Records: Click + New at the bottom of the table to add and encrypt a new row.
- Switch Views: Use the View Tabs at the top to toggle between Table, Kanban Board, or Gallery views.
- Filter & Sort: Click the Filter icon to create complex rules for your data display.