All GlideOS apps are powered by data. Every project has one database that can include multiple data tables from one or more sources. Every app in that project can use that same database, so related apps can work from the same information. You can connect spreadsheet files, Google Sheets, or external data sources like SQL databases.

Different data types can be added to GlideOS in different ways.

Tables

If you’re starting from scratch without existing data, GlideOS can create a table for you. Use the prompt box in the chat panel to tell GlideOS what you want the app to do and ask it to create a data table.

Be as specific as you can be without existing data. For example, if you’re building an employee directory, you know you’ll need columns for the employees’ first name, last name, and email address. You may also want columns for their team, job title, location, and start date.

Spreadsheets

GlideOS apps accept both spreadsheet files and Google Sheets as data sources.

There are two ways to connect a spreadsheet file to an app or a project.

From the home screen: Click Upload a spreadsheet and select the spreadsheet file from your computer.
From the chat panel: Click the sign at the bottom left of the chat panel and select the Microsoft Excel file from your computer.

Google Sheets

There are two ways to connect a Google Sheet to a project.

From the home screen: Click Connect to Google Sheet below the prompt box. Authorize GlideOS to access your Google account and select the Google Sheet you want to connect.
From the chat panel: Tell GlideOS in the prompt box to connect a Google Sheet. Click Select Google Sheet from the reply. Authorize GlideOS and select the Google Sheet you want to connect.

Connecting multiple Google Sheets

You can only connect one Google Sheet to a project from the home screen prompt box. Use the chat panel to connect additional Google Sheets.

GlideOS does not write back to Google Sheets. It creates a database table and pulls the sheet’s data into this table. Any updates made to the data through the app remain on GlideOS.

External Database Connection

GlideOS can connect to external data tools using a direct connection string. Any tool that supports a Postgres-compatible connector can read or write your project data.

You can set up a connection as read-only or read/write.

Mode	What it can do	Best for
Read-only	SELECT queries only (can’t change anything)	Dashboards, reports, BI tools
Read/write	Full access: INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE	Syncing data from external systems, AI agents that write back

Set up your first data connection

Click the sign in the Data section of the project screen.

Choose Read-only or Read/write.

Enter a name and click Generate.

Copy the generated connection string.

Copy the connection string immediately

GlideOS displays a string for a new connection only once. If you close the connection without copying the string, you will have to create a new connection.

Paste it into the external tool you want to connect.

For connecting additional databases, click the sign in the Data section, select New Connection, and follow the steps above.

You can also click the three-dot menu at the top right of the screen and select Connect database to start a new connection.

Delete a data connection

Click the sign in the Data section of the project screen.

Click the trash icon next to the connection to be deleted.

API Connections

GlideOS can also connect to external tools using an API key. You can set up a connection as read-only or read/write based on the API key’s permissions.

Connect a new API key

Click the sign to the right of Secrets on the project screen.

Enter a name.

Enter a description (optional).

Paste the API key in the Value field and click Save.

After saving your API key, chat with GlideOS to pull data from that source into the project.

Replace an API key

If your API key for a tool has been revoked or regenerated, you can enter a new API key to replace it.

Click the API key entry in the Secrets section of the project screen.

Paste the new API key in the Value field and click Save.

Delete an API key

Deleting an API key is permanent.

Deleting an API key is a permanent action that cannot be undone. If you delete it by mistake, follow the steps above to set it up again as a new connection.

Click the API key entry in the Secrets section of the project screen.

Click Delete.

On the confirmation screen, click Delete again to confirm.