NocoDB - Open Source Alternative to Airtable
NocoDB is a platform that converts any database into a visual spreadsheet-like interface. It's like Airtable but self-hosted and free.
What is it for?
- Create visual databases - Without writing SQL, all with a graphical interface
- Collaborate with your team - Share tables and views with your team
- Automate processes - Webhooks and APIs to integrate with other apps
- Replace spreadsheets - Excel/Google Sheets with superpowers
Open Source Alternative to
- Airtable
- Notion (databases)
- Smartsheet
- Google Sheets (advanced)
- Coda
- Baserow
Why choose NocoDB over SaaS alternatives?
| Feature | NocoDB | SaaS Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Fixed monthly price | Per user/usage |
| Data | On your server | On external servers |
| Limits | No limits | Plan-based limits |
| Customization | 100% customizable | Limited |
| Code | Open source | Proprietary |
Use case examples
- Custom CRM for your business
- Product inventory
- Project and task management
- Customer database
- Lead and sales tracking
- Product catalog with images
Minimum requirements
| Resource | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | 1 vCPU | 2 vCPU |
| RAM | 1 GB | 2 GB |
| Storage | 25 GB | 50 GB |
Initial setup
When deploying NocoDB, it automatically creates:
- PostgreSQL database - To store all your information
- Web interface - Accessible from your subdomain
Getting started
1. Access NocoDB
After deployment, click "Open App". The first time it will ask you to create an administrator account.
2. Create your first base
- Click New Base
- Give your project a name
- Add tables with the + button
3. Add columns
NocoDB supports many field types:
- Text - Short or long text
- Number - Integers, decimals, currency
- Date - Date, time, date and time
- Selection - Simple or multiple dropdown
- Link - Relate tables to each other
- Attachments - Upload files and images
- Formula - Automatic calculations
- Lookup/Rollup - Pull data from related tables
4. Create views
The same table can be viewed in different ways:
- Grid - Classic spreadsheet view
- Gallery - Cards with images
- Kanban - Trello-style board
- Calendar - Calendar view
- Form - Form to capture data
REST API
Each table has its own automatic REST API:
GET /api/v1/db/data/noco/[project]/[table]
POST /api/v1/db/data/noco/[project]/[table]
PATCH /api/v1/db/data/noco/[project]/[table]/[id]
DELETE /api/v1/db/data/noco/[project]/[table]/[id]
To get your API token:
- Go to your profile (top right corner)
- API Tokens
- Add new token
Additional resources
Troubleshooting
I can't upload large files
There is a size limit by default. You can increase it in the server configuration.
The database is slow
Consider adding indexes to columns you frequently use for filtering or searching.
How do I backup my data?
Use the Backups button in Deployalo to create complete snapshots of your server, or export individual tables from NocoDB.