ProjectDeck Grids
ProjectDeck relies extensively on ProjectDeck Grids, often referred to as ‘grids’. These grids are central to various ProjectDeck pages, such as the Homepage, Template Library, and Project Page. Additionally, you can find smaller grids in controls like ‘Deploy template’ or ‘Create form’
Common Features in ProjectDeck Grids
ProjectDeck grids share several essential features that enhance user experience. Let’s explore these functionalities:
Searching
Many ProjectDeck pages incorporate a search function, typically located at the top of the page, separate from the grid. This global search feature allows you to search every column within a grid dynamically. As you enter characters, the search results update rapidly. This method is highly efficient for quickly locating specific records.
Column Sorting
Many grids offer a sort function. To use it, simply click on the column header you wish to sort by. A single click will sort the grid in ascending alpha-numeric order, with symbols first (*, %, &), followed by ascending numbers (1, 2, 3…), and then ascending characters (a, b, c…). A second click will sort the grid in descending alpha-numeric order, and a third click restores the default sorting defined by ProjectDeck.
Column Widths and Ordering You have the flexibility to adjust column widths by clicking and dragging the column dividers. Additionally, you can rearrange columns by dragging and dropping column headings to suit your work preferences.
Column Options
Hovering over a column heading reveals a three-line “hamburger” menu. Clicking this menu unveils two additional menus: “column options” and “column filters”.
The image below shows the column options menu.
From the column options menu, you can:
- Pin Column: Pin columns to the left or right of the grid, helpful for grids with many columns requiring horizontal scrolling.
- Autosize Columns: Automatically adjust a column’s width to an optimised preset.
- Autosize All Columns: Adjust all columns to optimised widths.
- Group by: Group all grid records by a selected column as a primary category, functioning like a basic pivot table.
- Reset Columns: Reset all grid columns to the ProjectDeck default settings.
Column Filters
Hovering over a column heading also reveals a three-line “hamburger” menu, with one of the options being “column filters.”
The image below shows the column filters menu.
The column filter consists of two components: a filter type and one or more filter terms. Filter types include:
- Contains – will return all records that contain the filter terms.
- Not contains – will return all records that do not contain the filter terms.
- Equals – will return all records that agree entirely with the filter terms.
- Not equal – will return all records that disagree entirely with the filter terms.
- Starts with – will return all results that start with the filter terms.
- Ends with– will return all results that end with the filter terms.
- Blank – will return all blank records.
- Not blank – will return all non-blank records.
You can apply additional filters if required.
Grouping
You can group all grid row data by the values in any column. To do this, hover over a column heading, click, and drag the heading to the top row of the grid labelled, “Drag here to set row groups.” Releasing the column heading while hovering over this row transforms the grid to display data grouped by the selected column’s values.
Further Column Options
Additional column options are accessible from the column controls menu located on the right side of the grid. These options include:
- Show/Hide Columns: Select or deselect checkboxes next to each column heading to show/hide specific columns. For grids with numerous columns, a search function is available to help you find specific columns to amend.
- Row Groups: An alternative method for selecting a column by which to group row data.
- Values: An option to aggregate values from records onto the row group line, effective when row groups are active.
- Pivot Mode: Create a pivot table from grid data. Begin by adding one or more row groups to build your pivot table, then add values and, if applicable, row headings. Values may be changed to display averages, counts, sums, and more.
Further Filter Options
You can access additional filter options from the filter control menu located on the right side of the grid. This menu lists every column heading, providing an alternative method for applying column filters. This is particularly useful for grids with many columns, as you can search and filter columns not currently visible on-screen.
Reset All
When you need to start over, simply click the reset all button on the control menu to the right side of the grid. This action clears any applied filters and sorts, returning to the default grid state. Alternatively, you can manually deselect filters and sorts one at a time.
Copy Data
Select any data within a grid, right-click to open a context menu, and click Copy, Copy with headers, or Copy with group headers to copy the selected data to your local clipboard. You can then paste this data into another application as needed.
Export Grid Data
Right-click on the grid to open a context menu, select Export, and choose either, CSV Export or Excel Export. This downloads a file to your local machine, which can be opened in Microsoft Excel or another application capable of reading the file type. Exported data retains any applied filters and sorts.
Chart Data
You can create charts from grid data by right-clicking on the grid, selecting Chart Range, and choosing from various chart types. The selection of data is crucial for creating effective charts. The first column in your selection defines the chart’s category, while the last column defines the values.
You can filter and sort data and include additional columns in the grid to structure your data for the desired chart type.
Charts can be viewed in full-screen mode or downloaded as PNG files for use in other applications.
Checkboxes and Radio Buttons
Many grids feature checkboxes or radio buttons associated with rows. For example, the Homepage projects grid includes checkboxes on each line for project selection. Checkboxes are used when multiple rows can be selected, while radio buttons are used when only one row can be selected.
Selecting a row allows access to additional features, such as viewing or deleting records. The available features may vary depending on the number of selected rows and can be role-specific. For example, certain functions may be reserved for Project Admin roles.
Additionally, many grids include a “parent checkbox” at the top of the grid, allowing you to select all “child checkboxes” under this parent checkbox rapidly.