Single-line text field in Baserow

Single-line text fields are Baserow’s most versatile field type; perfect for storing names, codes, IDs, and any short text that needs to display in a single row without wrapping.

This guide covers how to use Single-line text fields to store short text values like names, titles, codes, and identifiers in your Baserow tables.

Overview

Single-line text fields store short text strings that display on one line in your table. Unlike Long text fields that wrap across multiple lines, single-line text keeps content compact and scannable; ideal for names, titles, SKUs, status labels, and other concise data.

This field type is the default for primary fields and works well for any data where brevity matters. Use single-line text when you need quick readability at a glance without scrolling through lengthy content.

Learn more: Configure field types

Baserow Single line text field

How to add a Single-line text field

  1. In your table, click the plus sign + to add a new field.
  2. Select Single line text from the field type menu
  3. Enter a field name
  4. Click Create

The field appears immediately and accepts text input.

How to set a default value

Automatically populate new rows with a predefined text value.

To set a default text:

  1. Click the dropdown arrow next to the field name
  2. Select Edit field
  3. In the Default text section, enter your default value
  4. Click Save

New rows will display this default value automatically. Users can edit or clear it as needed.

Use case: Set “Pending” as the default for a Status field so new tasks automatically start with a pending status.

When to use Single-line text fields

  • Names and titles: Customer names, product titles, project names
  • Identifiers: SKU codes, order numbers, reference IDs
  • Short descriptions: Brief labels, tags, status indicators
  • Contact info: Usernames, display names, short addresses
  • Codes and abbreviations: Department codes, currency codes, abbreviations

Not suitable for: Paragraphs, descriptions, notes, or any content exceeding 50-100 characters. Use Long text fields for multi-line content.

Single line text vs. other field types

Your data Better field type Why
Repeated values from list Single select or Multiple select Dropdowns prevent typos, ensure consistency
Links to other records Link-to-table Creates relationships, enables lookups
Long paragraphs Long text Multi-line display with text wrapping
Validated emails Email field Built-in format validation
Phone numbers Phone number field Automatic formatting

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a single-line text field and a long-text field?

A Single-line text field is for short text (like names or codes) and displays everything on one line. A Long-text field is for paragraphs (like notes or descriptions) and wraps text across multiple lines so you can read longer content.

When should I use a Single-line text field?

Use it for any short, concise piece of data, such as names, titles, codes (like SKUs), reference IDs, or short status labels. It’s the default and most common field for any brief text.

Is there a character limit?

While there isn’t a strict limit, the field is designed for short text. Content longer than 50-100 characters will be cut off (truncated) in the grid view, making it hard to read. If you’re writing sentences or paragraphs, use a Long text field.

What’s the difference between this and a Single-select field?

Use a Single-line text field when your values are unique (like a person’s name). Use a Single-select field when you are choosing from a repeated list of options (like ‘Pending’, ‘In Progress’, ‘Done’). A single select prevents typos and ensures consistency.

You can, but it’s not recommended. Baserow has specialized fields that are better:

  • Email field: Validates that the text is in a correct email format.
  • Phone number field: Automatically formats numbers and makes them clickable on mobile.
  • URL field: Validates the link and makes it a clickable button.

How do I set a default value?

You can set a default value (like “Pending” for a status field) in the “Edit field” menu. Click the dropdown arrow next to the field’s name, select Edit field, and type your value into the Default text box. New rows will now have this value automatically.

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