Auto Number
This article explains how to create and use an Auto Number field.
The Auto Number field automatically generates a unique, sequential number for each record in your table. Numbers start at 1 and increment by 1 for every new record added. This field is useful when you need simple, human-readable sequential identifiers — such as ticket numbers, invoice numbers, or order IDs — without relying on the internal primary key.
Create an Auto Number field
- Click the
+icon next to the last field in your table. - Enter a name for the field (Optional).
- Select Auto Number from the list of field types.
- Click Save field to add the field to your table.
Refer to the general guidelines on creating a field.
Cell display
The Auto Number field appears as a read-only numeric cell. Values are auto-generated and cannot be edited or pasted into.
Key behaviours
Read-only
Auto Number values are generated automatically and cannot be manually edited, pasted, or overridden. Attempts to update an Auto Number value via the UI or API are silently ignored — the original value is preserved.
Sequential numbering
Values are assigned sequentially starting from 1, incrementing by 1 for each new record. The underlying PostgreSQL sequence ensures that each value is unique. Deleting a record does not recycle its number — the sequence continues from the highest value ever assigned.
Backfill on creation
When you add an Auto Number field to a table that already contains records, all existing records are automatically backfilled with sequential numbers (1, 2, 3, ...). The numbering follows the row order defined in the current view — if a sort is applied, the sorted order determines which record receives which number. New records inserted after the backfill continue the sequence from the next available number.
Type conversion
An existing Number or Single line text field can be converted to an Auto Number field. When converted, the original values are replaced with sequential numbers (1, 2, 3, ...) based on the row order in the current view.
Not available in forms
Since Auto Number values are system-generated, Auto Number fields do not appear in form views. Values are assigned automatically when the form submission creates a new record.
Filtering Auto Number fields
Auto Number fields support numeric filter operations.
| Filter operation | Description |
|---|---|
| is equal | Matches the exact number |
| is not equal | Excludes the exact number |
| is greater than | Matches records greater than the specified value |
| is less than | Matches records less than the specified value |
| is greater or equal | Matches records greater than or equal to the value |
| is less or equal | Matches records less than or equal to the value |
| is null | Matches records with no value |
| is not null | Matches records that have a value |
Sorting Auto Number fields
Auto Number fields can be sorted in ascending or descending order. Since values are numeric and sequential, sorting by this field effectively orders records by their creation sequence.
Limitations
- PostgreSQL only: Auto Number fields require a PostgreSQL database. They are not available when using MySQL, SQLite, or other database backends.
- Not configurable: The start number, increment value, prefix, and suffix cannot be customized. Values always start at 1 and increment by 1.
- No manual editing: Values cannot be manually set or modified after creation.
- No copy-paste: You cannot paste values into an Auto Number field.