August 2026: the form editor, compounded master data and faster imports

August brings the largest change to data entry since NextTables launched: forms. Power users and administrators build guided forms per table, without code, and the same validation rules apply to every way data enters NextTables. Master data keyed on several fields, drag-and-drop uploads and support for tables other systems write to round out the release.

Summary

• Form editor. Data entry becomes configurable: build guided forms per table, with the same validation rules applied everywhere. Start with Forms for data entry in NextTables.
• Compounded master data. Master data objects with several key fields. See Create and use master data objects.
• Faster imports. Large files validate and save noticeably faster.
• Externally written tables. Tables that other systems write to can be managed in NextTables without distorting their change history. See Turn off data history for externally written tables.

New

The no-code form editor

Power users and administrators build and customize guided data-entry forms directly on any table, without custom code and without a deployment.

• Dynamic logic without code. Conditional visibility (show or hide a field), conditional required fields, and cascading dropdowns that depend on an earlier choice.
• Inline validation and master data quality. Business users get a guided, validated entry experience in the add, edit and copy dialogs. Input errors are caught while the person is still in the dialog.

The how-to series: Set up a data entry form for a table, Form fields with conditions, Validate form entries with validation rules.

Compounded master data

Master data objects can have several key fields, so a text resolves correctly when a value only becomes unique in combination with other fields.

Drag-and-drop file upload

Drop a file onto the grid to start an import, directly in the table view.

Tables written by other systems

A table that another system also writes to can be connected and maintained in NextTables without recording change history for it, so the history of that table stays what the other system made it.

Improved

• Validation of imported files is faster and uses less memory on large files.
• Saving imported rows is faster and puts less load on your database.
• Breadcrumbs in the top navigation bar show where you are in the application.
• Several smaller usability and reliability improvements across forms, file import and table views.

Some improvements need a page refresh to take effect.

What was next, as of August 2026

Transports and a hierarchy editor were next in line. Work had started on user groups, on a public API and on an MCP server for NextTables. None of these is generally available as of this release; watch this page.