How to Use Retool

Getting started with Retool

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create your first internal tool using Retool. By the end, you’ll be able to connect to a database and build a simple application without needing extensive coding knowledge.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to Retool's website.
2. Click on the Sign Up button in the top right corner.
3. You can sign up using your email or a Google account. Choose your preferred method and follow the prompts to create your account.
4. Once signed up, you’ll be directed to the Retool dashboard. Here, you can start a new project by clicking on the Create new app button.

Step 2: Your first app

1. In the new app window, you’ll see a blank canvas. On the right, there’s a panel with components like buttons, tables, and forms.
2. To connect to a database, click on the Resources tab in the left sidebar. Click Create new resource.
3. Choose your database type (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL) and fill in the required connection details (host, database name, username, password). Click Save.
4. Return to your app by clicking on the App tab. Drag a Table component from the right panel onto the canvas.
5. In the Table settings, select the resource you just created from the Data source dropdown.
6. Click Preview at the top right to see your table populated with data from your database.

Step 3: Get better results

1. To enhance your app, explore adding filters and searches. Click on the Table component, then enable Filters in the settings panel to allow users to narrow down results.
2. Add a Button component to trigger actions like saving data or refreshing the table. In the button settings, set the action to run a query you create in the Query Editor.
3. Use the Style settings to adjust the appearance of your components for better usability.

Pro tip

Use Templates available in Retool to speed up your app development. You can find them in the Templates section on the dashboard. Start with a template that closely matches your needs, then customise it.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid skipping the resource connection step. Many beginners jump straight to building their app without connecting to a database first, leading to confusion and wasted time when trying to pull in data. Always ensure your resource is properly set up before designing your app.