# Database editor controls

Find a table, build or save a query, inspect results, and understand exactly when a database action changes your data.

Source: https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database
Reviewed: 2026-09-06

## Before you start

- Open the named screen in Rumata. Available controls may depend on your account, permissions, and resource state.

<a id="editor"></a>

## SQL Editor

Open [System Explorer](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-preview#navigation) → [Database](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database-tables#table-browser) → [SQL Editor](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database#editor). A query is an instruction to the database. Reading instructions retrieve records; update, insert, and delete instructions change them.

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| SQL Editor / Query Builder / Tables / Operations | Switch between written queries, visual filters, the table browser, and database health and recovery. |
| Left / right chevron beside SQL Query Editor | Hide or show the [Database](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database-tables#table-browser) Objects sidebar to make more room for the editor. |
| SQL text editor | Write or edit the instruction you want to run. Editing this text does not execute it. |
| Run | Execute the current [SQL](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database#editor). This can change or delete stored records if your instruction does so. Disabled while a query runs or the connection is not ready. |
| Export | Download the returned rows as a CSV file. Available after a query returns at least one row. |
| Table name / chevron in Database Objects | Expand a table to see its columns, data types, and key markers. |
| Table’s three-dot menu → View Data | Put a query for that table into the editor. Review it and choose Run to retrieve its records. |
| Table’s three-dot menu → Generate Insert Query | Put a starter instruction for adding a record into the editor. Replace the example values before running it. |
| Divider between editor and results | Drag to give either area more space. This changes the layout only. |

<a id="saved-queries"></a>

## Saved queries and parameters

Save a query to reuse it later. Run it to execute the instruction.

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| Saved queries | Open the library of saved instructions for this factory. |
| Search saved queries | Find a saved item by name, [SQL](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database#editor), description, or query ID. |
| Saved-query card | Load that query into the editor and close the library. |
| Copy query ID | Copy its identifier for use when configuring a workflow or asking for help. |
| Delete query | Open a confirmation naming the saved query. Check that workflows no longer depend on it before continuing. |
| Load more | Fetch another page of saved queries when more are available. |
| New / New Query | Start a new query instead of editing the selected saved item. |
| Save / Update | Open a name and description form. Save creates a new saved query; Update replaces the selected query. The final Save or Update in the dialog submits it. |
| Query name / description | Give a new saved query a recognizable name and optional explanation. |
| Cancel / Close in the library or save dialog | Dismiss the dialog without submitting its pending action. |
| Query parameter fields | Supply the values requested by a query containing placeholders such as {{email}}. |
| Run query in the parameter dialog | Execute the query with the values you entered. Cancel closes the form without executing. |

<a id="visual-builder"></a>

## Visual Query Builder

Choose the records you want with visual filters. The controls appear once tables are available.

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| Select Table | Choose the collection of records to search. |
| Add rule | Add a condition, such as a status equaling “published”. |
| Field / operator / value | Choose which column to compare, how to compare it, and the value to compare against. |
| AND / OR | Choose whether all conditions must match or whether matching any condition is enough. |
| Add group | Nest conditions so you can combine several AND/OR checks. |
| NOT | Reverse a group’s condition: keep records that do not match it. |
| Remove rule / remove group | Remove a filter from the builder. This does not delete database records. |
| Limit Results | Set how many rows the generated query should return. The input shows a range of 1–1,000 rows. |
| Generate SQL | Replace the [SQL](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database#editor) text below with the instruction built from your selected table and filters. Generate it again after changing the filters. |
| Generated SQL editor | Review or directly edit the final instruction. If imported [SQL](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database#editor) cannot be represented as visual filters, the screen shows a warning and keeps the [SQL](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database#editor) editable. |
| Run Query | Execute the [SQL](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database#editor) currently shown below the filters. Filter changes alone do not replace already generated [SQL](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database#editor). |

<a id="results"></a>

## Results, editing, and errors

The result grid contains the rows returned by the last query. An Editable badge tells you when direct cell editing is supported.

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| Column heading / filter menu | Sort or filter the displayed results. Drag a column boundary to resize it or move a heading to reorder columns. |
| Page navigation / page-size selector | Move through the returned rows or change how many the grid displays at once. This does not fetch records omitted by your [SQL](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database#editor) limit. |
| Editable cell | Change a value locally. Modified cells are highlighted and counted until you save or cancel. |
| Save Changes | Write the pending cell edits to the database. A failed save leaves your edits available to correct and retry. |
| Cancel beside Save Changes | Discard pending cell edits and restore the last query result. |
| Maximize | Open the results in a larger dialog. The same pending edits and save/cancel actions remain available. |
| Close in enlarged results | Return to the normal editor layout. |
| Copy error | Copy the displayed query error to share in a support request. Review copied details before sharing them publicly. |

## Related guides

- [Database](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/system-explorer-database)
- [Database operations and recovery controls](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-database-operations)
- [Troubleshoot with a clear next step](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/troubleshooting)