Create a table via data sync

Data synchronization, or “Data sync,” ensures your information is consistent and up-to-date across multiple platforms and tables. By automating the process of updating data, you can eliminate the need for manual updates in different systems. This guarantees that everyone within your organization has access to the latest information, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.

This section will guide you through the process of setting up and managing data sync in Baserow.

For other ways to create a Baserow table, please see these articles:

Screenshot of data sync in Baserow

Overview of data sync

Data sync is designed to maintain a source of truth by automatically updating data in real-time, eliminating manual updates across multiple tools or databases, ensuring data accuracy by keeping systems in sync, making sure everyone has access to the most up-to-date information, and integrating seamlessly with existing workflows.

Synced tables are read-only, which means you cannot edit the data directly or edit the field type. You will need to modify the data at the source (i.e., the original iCal feed or Baserow table).

Data sync sources

Data sync integrates with two main sources: iCal feed and Baserow. With these integrations, you can synchronize calendars or tables directly into Baserow, simplifying workflows, improving collaboration, and making data management more efficient.

Sync iCal feed

iCal feed sync is designed to bring calendar data into Baserow. The iCal calendar sync synchronizes automatically with the entries in the calendar file of the URL. It only supports the ICS (Internet Calendar and Scheduling) file type.

This is particularly useful for syncing shared calendars, project timelines, or event schedules across different platforms into a single database.

Sync Baserow table

Baserow table sync allows you to connect and synchronize tables between different workspaces in Baserow. This integration ensures that any updates made in the original table are reflected in the synced version.

You need to upgrade your account to the advanced/enterprise version to sync Baserow tables. You can upgrade your account by getting a license.

Screenshot of Baserow sync table

How to set up data sync

Setting up data sync is simple.

  1. In your Baserow database sidebar, click + New table.

  2. From the options provided, select either Sync iCal feed or Sync Baserow table depending on your desired sync source.

  3. Configure sync settings:

    • For iCal feed: Enter the iCal URL (usually provided by your calendar service) in the designated field.
    • For Baserow table: Choose the workspace, database, and table you want to sync from.

  4. Give your new table a descriptive name to identify the synced data easily.

  5. Choose the specific fields you want to bring into your synced table. For example, in an iCal feed, you may select to sync only event names and start/end times.

    Not all fields from an external source are required to be synced. You have the flexibility to choose only the fields relevant to your workflow, which helps to keep your workspace clean and focused.

  6. Click Create and sync table to establish the sync. Your table will be created, and data will start syncing from the connected source immediately.

Screenshot to Select the fields you would like to sync

Manage and update sync settings

Once a sync is established, you can easily manage and update it as needed. The field configuration options are available. You can also create and manage views.

Trigger sync updates

While data sync is automated, you may need to manually trigger a sync update to synchronize data with the source.

To pull the latest data from your connected source, go to the synced table and click on the table options (represented by a three-dot menu).

Click Sync table. This will refresh the data, pulling the latest information from the iCal feed or the Baserow table. During this process, a lock is placed on the updated rows, which may temporarily slow down API requests or table modifications.

Add new fields

Although synced data is read-only by default, you can add new fields to the synced table to track additional information not provided by the source.

These new fields are editable and will not interfere with the synced data.

To identify a read-only field that is part of the table’s data sync, you will see an arrow beside the synced fields and table.

Screenshot to identify a synced field

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