Building no-code apps is all about adding features and design elements that make your apps more effective, easy-to-use tools. These tips show you more ways to add AI abilities for better efficiency, introduce useful features like audio, and improve your UI/UX design for your end users.
Some of Glide's top Glide Experts and team members have contributed these tips for building and improving apps in Glide. If you want to check out the previous 30 tips, subscribe to our Tips Newsletter or read the previous guides:
- Tips Tips 1-19
- and Tips 20-29
10 tips for building software with AI
Learn how30. Convert text into numbers automatically with Text to Number
The Text to Number feature transforms written text into numerical results. It can interpret emojis, basic math, and phrases across multiple languages, and even apply instructions to your existing data to generate number-based outputs.
Read more about AI text to number
31. Use Text to Texts to extract specific elements from documents beyond simple lists
The Text to Texts feature extracts text from a message and transforms it into an array of strings. For example, you could upload a transcript and extract every question or every bullet point. This goes beyond basic comma-separated extraction to pull out structured content elements from complex text.
Read more about AI texts to text
32. Match column names exactly when importing data into existing Big Tables
Make sure the column names on the spreadsheet you want to import data from match the column names on the Big Table you want to import to. This helps Glide know where to put your imported data.
33. Big Tables show "Query in computed columns but the data updates synchronously
Some computed columns in Big Tables will show 'Query in the column rather than immediately displaying data. Because Big Tables save synchronously, this data is refreshed even without the 'Query text being clicked. Data from these columns can be used in the layout editor and will update synchronously, without a manual query. Don't worry about the "Query display - your components will show the real data.
Read more about Glide Big Tables
34. Linked Glide Tables only share Basic Columns, not Computed Columns
Only the data in a table's Basic Columns can be shared and synced across apps. Computed Columns are not affected. When you link an existing Glide Table to an app, computed columns will not appear in your app's Data Editor. This means you'll need to recreate any Relations, Rollups, or other computed logic in each app that uses the linked table.
35. Duplicate instead of Link when you want to reuse table data without syncing
When duplicating an app, use Duplicate Tables instead of “Link existing tables" to reuse the data from an existing Glide Table and keep it from being synced across apps. Duplicate creates an independent copy, while Link creates a shared table where changes affect all connected apps.
Read more about Glide Tables
36. Add audio to make your app more interactive and dynamic
Glide includes two audio components: Audio for playback and Audio Recorder for capturing new recordings. The Audio component plays files stored in your data or linked via a public URL ending in .wav, .mp3, or .m4a, while the Audio Recorder saves recorded clips directly to your selected data column.
Read more about the Audio Component
37. Add multiple Big Number blocks to show top-level reporting numbers
You can add multiple Big Number blocks inside of a container. Just click Add item to add a new Big Number to your list, and click and drag on the three dots in the top left to rearrange. This lets you create dashboard-style displays with multiple key metrics in one component.
Read more about the Big Number Component
38. Add breadcrumbs to help users navigate complex apps
Breadcrumbs show users where they are in your app’s hierarchy, making it easier to move between sections without getting lost. Since breadcrumbs don’t appear automatically, you’ll need to add them manually to each screen where clear navigation is important.
Read more about breadcrumbs
39. Use manual color mode to set specific colors for chart values with hex codes or color names
Clicking any specific value in the chart component menu lets you switch from auto color selection to manual, giving you precise brand color control over your visualizations. Manual color values support both color names written in English and hex codes.
Read more about charts
Keep learning about no-code app design
These tips will help you build more capable and complex Glide apps. To keep learning in a more structured way, take a course in Glide University or get Glide Certified. There, you can dive deeper into the fundamentals, or take specialized courses like Intelligent Automation.
