Using Grids (Outliner with Columns)

Grids are the primary method to view and edit the information in your IQBase.
  • A grid does not "contain" any items (unlike a conventional document or spreadsheet), rather, it displays items, typically a sub-set of all the items in the IQBase.
  • Items have a Home, which is where the item was created. If the item was created in grid XYZ, that will be its Home. Details here: Item Home
  • Grids have Properties:
    • Which items are displayed
    • If extra filters are applied (text, date, advanced SQL)
    • Which fields and tags are displayed as columns
    • How items are sorted and grouped
    • Display mode: Outline or flat list
    • Whether or not the Gantt portion is shown
    • Background color, tree and grid line types and color
    • How item fonts and colors are applied
    • Level-based labeling and formatting styles
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1. Creating Grids

There are many ways to create a grid:
  • View > Grids > New Grid
  • Tools > Manage Grids. Right-click on the grid list and select New Grid...
  • Click on the + tab
The New Grid / Open Grid dialog will show:
 
Use the middle area to create a new grid. When creating a new grid:
  1. Enter a unique grid name:
    • If a field of the same name as the grid doesn't exist, it will be created
    • If a field of that name already exists, the grid will show items with values for this field
  2. (Optional) Click Options (...) to:
    • Set the grid to display existing items. Enter the name of an existing field or #Tag
    • Copy an existing grid
  3. Click OK
     

    2. Opening Grids

    Opening a grid to view matching items can be done in many different ways:
    • View > Grids: Select from the list
    • View > Grids > Recent Grids: Shows recently viewed grids first
    • Click the " + " tab (above dialog will show)
    • Press Ctrl + F to access the Omnibox and enter the grid name
    • Open the Manage Grids dialog, right-click on a grid and select View Grid (or double-click)
    • In the Properties pane, click a Grid Group or on a Field that shows the grid link arrow: 
    • In the Tags pane, double-click on a tag. If a grid is set to show this tag, it will open (otherwise, the Scratch grid will open and show items with that tag)
    • View > Home Page and click on a grid