# Tables

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Custom templates are a part of [Fortelling Pro](https://wiki.fortelling.app/fortelling-pro)
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## 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.

{% @arcade/embed flowId="XchvsHwZTPLZgHFvusKA" url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/XchvsHwZTPLZgHFvusKA>" %}