How to use conditional formatting in Retool tables?

Using Conditional Formatting in Retool Tables

Conditional formatting in Retool tables can significantly enhance the user experience by visually differentiating data based on specific conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply conditional formatting to Retool tables effectively.

Prerequisites

• Ensure you have a Retool account and access to a project where you wish to implement conditional formatting.
• Basic understanding of Retool's table component and the application building interface.

Accessing Retool and Opening a Project

• Log into your Retool account and navigate to the desired project dashboard.
• Open the application where you want to utilize conditional formatting within a table component.

Selecting the Table Component

• Identify the data table that requires conditional formatting. Click on the table component to access its settings.
• Ensure that the table is populated with data either through an API query, database connection, or static data.

Accessing Table Settings

• In the right panel, explore the settings for the selected table component.
• Locate the column where conditional formatting is to be applied. Each column has individual settings accessible within the table's configuration panel.

Implementing Conditional Formatting Logic

• Within the column settings, you'll find an option to write JavaScript or run a transformer. This section is essential for implementing conditional logic.
• Write a JavaScript expression that specifies the condition under which formatting should be applied. For example, cell > 100 in the value field to highlight cells with values greater than 100.
• Use an inbuilt transformer or a custom script to analyze data and return a format configuration.

Customizing Cell Styles

• In the same column settings panel, locate style options for customizing the appearance of formatted cells.
• Define styles based on your conditional logic, which might include changing the background color, text color, or font style. For instance, <span style="color: red">{{currentRow.value}}</span> could be used to change the text color to red when a certain condition is met.

Utilizing Retool's Style Panel

• Alternatively, utilize Retool's style panel to create predefined styles and assign them conditionally within the JavaScript logic section.
• Incorporate styles from the style panel by referencing CSS classNames or inline styles, which can be dynamically injected into your conditional logic expressions.

Testing Conditional Formatting

• After implementing the conditional logic and styling, utilize Retool's preview feature to validate the formatting visually on the projected table.
• Ensure that the conditions trigger correctly and styles apply as expected across various scenarios and datasets.

Debugging and Refinements

• If the formatting doesn't appear as expected, review the JavaScript expressions for logical errors or syntax issues.
• Make necessary adjustments to the logic or style definitions to achieve the desired outcome.
• Employ the Retool console or monitor logs to trace possible errors in the execution flow of your script.

Incorporating conditional formatting within Retool tables adds a dynamic aspect to data presentation, facilitating easier data interpretation and more informed decision-making. By following these steps, you ensure that your tables not only display data effectively but also provide critical visual cues to users.