How to Link Records Between Tables
Linking records connects rows across your tables the way a real relational database does. In ZenBuild you can link within one table or across two, make the relationship two-way, and surface connected data with lookup and rollup fields.
Step-by-step guide
Add a Link to record column
Add a column and choose the Link to record type. Point it at the table you want to connect to, or at the same table for hierarchies like subtasks. Cells in that column now open a searchable picker so you can attach one or more related rows.
Attach related records
Click a link cell and search the connected table by its primary field. Select one or several rows to attach them; each shows as a chip displaying the linked row's title. This is how you connect Projects to a Client, Tasks to a parent Project, or Orders to Products.
Make the relationship two-way
Open the link column's settings and turn on Two-way link. ZenBuild creates a matching column on the other table and backfills it, so linking a Task to a Project automatically lists that Task on the Project. Edits on either side stay in sync.
Pull in the linked data
Once tables are linked, add Lookup, Rollup, or Count columns to surface data from the connected rows without retyping it: show a linked field, total a number across linked rows, or count them. See the lookup and rollup guide for the full workflow.
Tips
- Link to a record in the same table to model hierarchies like subtasks or an org chart
- Turn on Two-way link so both tables show the relationship and stay in sync
- The picker searches the linked table's primary column, so give rows clear primary values
- After linking, use Lookup and Rollup columns to display connected data automatically
Frequently asked questions
Can I link records across different tables?
What is a two-way (symmetric) relation?
Can I link to more than one record?
How do I show fields from a linked record?
Related guides
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