FAQ

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What is Obvibase?

Obvibase is a distraction-free online database editor that you do not need to learn, but can just start using and benefiting from.

There are a few things we miss in spreadsheets when we are working with data that has a structure to it. If, for instance, you want something as simple as a column of checkboxes, the best you can do is have a column in which you type 'Y' or 'N'. With Obvibase we have tried to build an app that makes use of the structure of your data but at the same time does not subtract from the ease-of-use of spreadsheets.

How does Obvibase compare to spreadsheets?

Spreadsheets are great for certain use-cases, but by specializing on structured data, Obvibase can do things that spreadsheets can't:

  • Checkboxes, multiple-choice dropdowns, radio buttons, star ratings, attached files in Google Drive or Dropbox, date pickers.

  • Ability to link records from different tables with @mentions (see the next question).

  • Pre-fill cells with default values.

  • Live sorting and filtering: your table stays sorted and filtered as you have configured it even as you edit cells or add rows.

  • Sort multiple-choice columns in the order of choices (Low, Medium, High), not alphabetical order (High, Low, Medium).

  • Easy bulk editing of multiple records.

What are mentions and how do they work?

Those of you familiar with the concept of @-mentions from social media don't need much of an explanation - it works the same way, except instead of mentioning people, on Obvibase you mention database records, and it's up to you whether those records represent people, companies, labels, or something else.

A mention is a clickable link to a record that you can insert into a text field of any other record or into a comment. To do this, type the @ symbol and start typing a record name - you will see a list of suggestions. In the detailed view of each record we show all places where it's mentioned, and if you comment on some record, and in that comment mention another record, the comment will be shown in the comment sections of both records.

You can see examples of mentions in the demo database, where Companies are mentioned in People table ("Works at"), and labels/tags like "TODO" are mentioned in Companies table.

Just paste the URL into a text cell - the app will detect it and make it clickable/tappable. This also works for emails and phone numbers.

Do you have an app?

Obvibase is a Progressive Web App - you can learn more about what this means in this post on our blog.

Does my data get stuck on Obvibase?

No, you can always export your data, fully intact, into the ubiquitous CSV format. Cells with files in Google Drive and Dropbox will be exported as permanent links to files. Mentions will be exported as Obvibase record URLs that can be used as foreign keys when importing data into another database.

I have signed in but I don't see my database

Don't worry: unless you have expressly deleted it, your database is definitely still there. First, make sure that if you click "Databases" in the main menu, the database you're looking for is not on the list. If it isn't, you are probably signed in under a wrong account. What often trips people up is that depending on how you sign in - with email, with a Google account or with a Facebook account - you are taken to different Obvibase accounts. You can check under which account you're currently signed in Account settings. Sign out using the side menu, then try another way to sign in.

What browsers are supported?

We support at least a year-old versions of all major browsers, including browsers on mobile devices.

How secure is the data in my database?

We use HTTPS protocol on all pages, and your database can only be accessed by you and the people you have shared it with. If you have two-factor authentication enabled on the Google/Facebook/email account that you use to sign in to Obvibase, this will make your Obvibase data more secure as well. To prevent data loss, any changes that you make are immediately saved in multiple datacenters.

What if I have lost my login credentials?

Visit one of the following links to recover your credentials:

How can I contact Obvibase?

Please use this form: Contact us. Do not hesitate to get in touch if you are running into any technical issues.