Creating a base from a sketch in Zoho Tables
What is it?
The Sketch to Create Base feature in Zoho Tables for iOS allows you to visually design a base by simply sketching field names. Powered by Apple Intelligence, Zoho Tables uses Zia to automatically detect and understand the field names you write, intelligently converting them into structured field types.
This makes it easy to move from a rough idea to a functional base without manually creating fields one by one. Think of it as a smart assistant that converts your quick sketches into a working base structure.
What do you need?
A Zoho Tables account
The Zoho Tables iOS app with iOS versions above 26
Internet connectivity to process sketch recognition
Permission to access drawing input on your device
Supported inputs include:
Handwritten field names drawn in the sketch area (e.g., 'Date', 'Percentage', 'Currency' etc.)
Digital sketches created within the Zoho Tables interface, such as checkboxes, star ratings, and radio buttons
Field names written using an Apple Pencil or touch input
Who can use it and on which plan?
Zoho Tables plan | Can sketch to create base? |
Free | Yes |
Professional | Yes |
Who has access?
Role in Zoho Tables | What can they do with Sketch to Create Base? |
Owner, Manager, Editor | Sketch field names, review detected fields, and create bases from sketches. |
Data Maintainer | View and edit data in shared bases. |
Commenter | View and comment on data in shared bases. |
Viewer | View data in shared bases. |
Why use this feature?
Use this feature if you want to:
Quickly create a base from a simple sketch.
Visually design the structure of a table.
Avoid manually adding fields one by one.
Capture ideas quickly during brainstorming sessions.
Speed up the base creation process.
How it works
Open the Zoho Tables iOS app and navigate to the workspace where you want to create the base.
Tap Create Base and choose the Sketch to Create a Base option. A sketch area will appear where you can write the names of the fields or draw a base.
Write the field names in the sketch area using touch input or Apple Pencil. As the field names are written, Zoho Tables recognizes them and displays the detected fields in the preview panel on the right simultaneously.
Review the detected fields and make any necessary changes.
Tap the
button in the top-right to confirm the setup and generate the base.
Recognizing handwritten field names
Converting detected text into structured fields
Displaying the fields in the side panel in real time
Creating a base using the detected fields
Note: Recognition accuracy may vary depending on handwriting clarity and spacing between field names.
Tips Write field names clearly for better recognition.
Keep enough spacing between field names to avoid incorrect detection.
Review the detected fields in the right panel before creating the base.
Use cases
1. Project tracking setup
Quickly sketch fields like Task Name, Owner, Status, and Deadline to create a project tracking base.
2. Brainstorming database structures
During team discussions, sketch possible field names and instantly convert them into a base structure.
3. Creating quick trackers
Design simple trackers like issue logs, inventory lists, or event planning sheets by sketching the required fields and generating the base in seconds.