1. Row Actions

For actions that apply to the whole row, or don’t apply to a specific cell, place the actions on the left side of the row to the right of a checkbox if one is being used.

2. Contextual Menu

If there are more than 3 row actions (not including a checkbox), consider placing them in a contextual menu to avoid visually overloading the table. When using a contextual menu, 2 additional actions can be placed in the row to the right of the menu.

3. Inline Editing

When users are editing simple data rows, allow inline editing. This helps to reduce friction and keep the other rows and columns in view. ¹

4. Detail View

When users are working with more complex data rows, a row can be selected to display the editable fields or additional information in a panel. This helps the users focus on the single item and avoid mistakes. ¹

5. Links

Links should be used to bring users to a new screen or view by clicking on a value within the table.

6. Text Alignment

Always align metrics to the right for improved scan-ability while text should always be aligned to the left. ³

7. Column Resizing

If the data table contains long strings of text, enable column resizing to allow the user to manually expand the width of columns to adjust the text wrapping or truncation.¹

8. Bulk Edit

Row selection should be used to allow users to be able to batch process tasks. See Bulk Editing for additional guidance. ¹ ²

9. Text Wrapping

If text contains critical information, allowing text to wrap to multiple lines.