# Data grid tiles

A data grid shows individual or groups of records on a dashboard. It lets you choose a table, and columns from that table and its parents.

You can view the results as a grid view or a page view.

- Grid view works well for multiple records
- Page view works well for single records

You can select multiple records, and filter, sort, and search the rows and columns.

## Creating a new data grid tile

To add a data grid tile to your dashboard:

1. Make sure your dashboard is in edit mode, then select **\+ Add Tile**.
2. Select **Data Grid** from the **Tile type** dropdown.
3. Select **\+ Add Column**.
4. Choose your variables, [behaviours](<https://help.apteco.com/en/orbit/dashboards/behaviours/index.md>), or use an expression, then select **Add**.
5. Give each column a title.
6. Select **Apply**.

Orbit adds one column by default, and you can add and remove subsequent columns. You can choose whether to show codes or descriptions for the data in these columns, if the data supports that.

## Data settings

Under **Data Settings** on the tile editor, you can configure:

- [**Select Via**](<https://help.apteco.com/en/orbit/dashboards/filtering/resolve-tables/#change-the-select-via-table>): the table your data grid uses
- **Number Of Rows**: how many rows to load into the grid at once

You can also choose to view the data as a Grid view or a Page view.

### Grid view

A Grid view shows multiple rows of data.

### Page view

A Page view shows one record per page.

## Sorting and filtering columns

Select a column header's options menu to sort the column, and to filter it if it's a text, numeric, or date column.

- **Text**: filter by **Contains** or **Does not contain**, then enter your search text
- **Numeric**: filter using a comparison such as **Is equal to**, **Is not equal to**, **Is greater than**, **Is greater than or equal to**, **Is less than**, or **Is less than or equal to**, then enter a value
- **Date**: filter using a **From** and **To** date range

Sorting applies as soon as you select it, or select **Sort Natural** to reset a column to its default sort order.

For a filter, enter your criteria, then select **Apply**, which stays disabled until you enter a value. Selecting **Apply** applies the filter and closes the menu. Select **Clear** to reset the filter.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Sorting and filtering columns works the same way when a data grid is used as a page in an [audience workbook](<https://help.apteco.com/en/orbit/audiences/audience-workbooks/solutions/browse-data-solution/index.md>).

## Exporting a data grid tile

To export the records, select **Export Data Grid** from the tile's **option menu**. You can download them as a PDF, CSV, XLSX, DBF, or URN file, or send them to an FTP site, a file server folder, or a campaign channel. See [Exporting a dashboard tile](<https://help.apteco.com/en/orbit/dashboards/exporting-a-dashboard-tile/#exporting-a-data-grid-tile>).

## Restricting export

By default, users can export a data grid tile to any destination they have permission to use. As an editor, you can limit this to one export type, or stop users exporting the tile at all.

To restrict export:

1. With your dashboard in edit mode, open the tile editor for your data grid tile.
2. Under **Tile Settings**, turn on **Restrict Export**.
3. Choose an **Export Type**:

   - **Download**, **FTP**, **Public File Server Folder**, **Private File Server Folder**, or a channel: Users can only export the tile this way.
   - **No Export Allowed**: Users can't export the tile. If they try, a message tells them the dashboard editor has restricted export.
4. If you chose an export type, set the export details users will get, such as the **File Name** and **File Format**. For a CSV file, also set the **Delimiter** and **Encloser**. Choose whether to **Compress File (ZIP)**.