Tables

What are tables in Fortelling? Short answer: Tables let you organize story data into columns and rows inside any story element, so you can compare details, track status, and link elements.

Custom templates are a part of Fortelling Pro

How to use Tables for plotting

Tables give you a structured way to organize your story data. Instead of scrolling through long notes, you can arrange information into columns and rows, making it easier to compare details and spot connections. With tables, you can link story elements directly, manage categories, and keep your worldbuilding clear.

Where to find tables

Tables are created inside story elements (like characters, items, or locations). Here’s how to access them:

1. Open the story element you want to edit.

2. Click the pen icon at the top of the page to enter edit mode.

3. Scroll down until you see the tables section.

4. Click Create Table to start building your first table.

Creating a table

When you create a new table, a setup screen will appear. Here, you can name your table and define the columns it will use.

• Add columns by clicking the plus sign.

• For each column, click on the type to choose what kind of data it holds:

  • Text: Write notes or descriptions.

  • Checkbox: Mark yes/no information, such as “Alive” or “Destroyed.”

  • Element: Link directly to another story element (character, place, item, etc.).

  • Selector: Create a dropdown menu of options (for example: “Low, Medium, High”).

• If you select a selector, you can add more options by clicking the grey plus sign next to it.

• Tick the sortable checkbox to allow sorting by that column later.

When finished, click Save to create your table.

Using your table

Once saved, your table is ready to use inside the story element. You can:

• Fill in text fields for quick details.

• Tick or untick checkboxes to track status.

• Link other story elements to build a web of connections.

• Use dropdown selectors to categorize data consistently.

Tables help you track things like character traits, item inventories, kingdom factions, or even quest progress.

Creating tables from settings

You can also create a table directly from the settings menu.

1. Open settings in Fortelling.

2. Scroll to the story elements section and click on tools.

3. Choose the story element you want to expand.

4. In the tables section, click the plus sign to create a new table.

This is useful if you want to prepare your tables before filling in the actual story elements.

Tips and tricks

• Use text columns for short facts, not long notes—this keeps your table readable.

• Try selector columns for categories like “Faction,” “Class,” or “Power level.”

• Create element columns to link characters directly to locations, items, or events.

• For RPG players, build a loot table or character sheet tracker.

Interactive demo

Please ensure your audio is turned on for the optimal experience.