Visualize data with building blocks
Visualizing data with softr building blocks.
Blocks are pre-built components that enable you to visualize and interact with data seamlessly. They are the foundation for designing and customizing your app.
Blocks allow you to add different layouts and functionalities, such as a list, table, calendar, or chart. You can configure and arrange these blocks to build the pages within your app and give users a visual way to view and interact with data.
Block types
An overview of the different types of blocks and how they shape your application:
Dynamic blocks
Dynamic blocks pull data from data sources (e.g., Airtable, HubSpot, SQL) and display information that updates in real-time based on data changes or user inputs.
Examples:
- List block: Displays a collection of items, such as products or team members, as a searchable and filterable list.
- Table block: Displays data in a structured table format with options for users to search, create, and delete records.
- Calendar block: Displays date-specific items, such as events or appointments, in a calendar format. Users can view, schedule, and edit events.
Dynamic blocks let you display and interact with your data in powerful ways. For each dynamic block you can customize:
- Data source: Choose where the block gets its data from, like a spreadsheet or database. You can also decide which users see what data with conditional filters, sort the information, and set a message to show if thereβs no data.
- Content: Pick how your data appears, like showing names, dates, or images. The options depend on the type of block youβre using.
- Actions: Decide what users can do, like clicking to see more details, editing items, or starting a workflow.
- Visibility: Control who can see the block and whether it shows up on desktop, tablet, or mobile.
These options help you make your app more personalized, functional, and visually appealing!
Static blocks
Static blocks display the same content to all users and can be updated manually in Softr. For example, image, text and copy on the block remain consistent until you change it in the softr app.
Examples:
- Hero: Used as a headline or introductory banner for a page.
- FAQ: Displays frequently asked questions and answers.
- CTA (Call to Action): Encourages users to take specific actions, like signing up or contacting support.
Static blocks help you design the structure and style of your app. For each static block, you can customize:
- Core elements: Edit key components like the layout, headings, and subheadings. The available options depend on the block type.
- Visibility: Choose who can see the block and where it appears in your app.
Container blocks
Container blocks group and organize other blocks to provide arrangement and layout options.
Container block types:
- Tabs: Divide content into tabbed sections that users can switch between. For example, organizing product details, specifications, and reviews in separate tabs.
- Columns: Displays content side-by-side to create various multi-column layouts. For example, it allows you to place charts side-by-side in a dashboard.
For each Container block, you can customize:
- Layout: Adjust the overall structure, including layout, headings, and subheadings. Options depend on the container type.
- Blocks: Decide which blocks are displayed within the container.
- Visibility: Control who can see the container and its content.
Add a block
- Click the + icon in the top-right corner of the canvas. This opens the blocks library in the right-hand panel.
- Browse the available dynamic, static, or container blocks and click the one you want to add to your page.
- A placeholder layout will appear, ready for you to customize.
- Click on the block in the canvas to edit it.
Manage blocks
Hover over a block to reveal icons in the top-right corner. Use these options to manage the block:
- Move a block: Click the β up or β down arrow icons to move the block up or down on the page.
- Duplicate a block: Click the duplicate icon to create a copy of the block on the same page.
- Copy a block to another page or application: Click the Copy to icon and select the page where you want the block to appear.
- Change block layout: You can switch the block layout to another one. (Available for Lists, Grid, Table, Calendar blocks)
- Hide a block: Click the hide icon to temporarily remove the block from view while keeping its content and settings intact.
- Delete a Block: Click the delete icon to permanently remove the block from your page.
Tip: Hide a block youβre still working on to save it as a draft while you update other parts of your app.