The Automatic number column type generates an automatically increasing number for each new row. This column type is used whenever you need a unique identifier for each record.
Note that this column is not intended to count the number of records in a table. If you delete a row , the remaining records will not be renumbered. This can lead to gaps in the numbering.
To renumber your records (for example, to eliminate gaps), you can either delete the Automatic Number column and recreate it, or change the column type and then convert it to Automatic Number again.
Three formats are available
When you create the Automatic number column, you specify what format the values in this column should take. You can choose a number with a certain number of digits and prefix this number with a string of letters or digits (for example, the current date).
Frequently asked questions
Even though the Automatic Number column type seems comparatively simple, there are a few special features that need to be considered.
Is it possible to influence the next value used?
Yes. The column offers the possibility in the column options to reset the automatic number to a certain value, which will then be given to the next row .
Can values in the column be duplicated?
Yes, this can happen. If you reset the automatic number, values can also occur twice. Thus, the values of this column are not unique.
Can the column also contain only unique values?
Yes. If you use a Plus or Enterprise subscription of SeaTable, you can lock the column for editing. This way no one can reset the number and each value remains unique.
