In Labguru, a Form Element can be used not only to document data in a structured manner, but also collect it into a centralized dataset.

There are two types of datasets - Table, which is discussed in this article, and Serial dataset.

To learn about the main differences between the two types click here.

A table dataset is generated from a tabular Form element, like in this example:

With this type of Dataset, multiple entries can be collected from each experiment by using the row duplication function (more on this below).

A Table Dataset is suitable when performing the same procedure on multiple samples, collecting data from a continuous experiment, or document repetitive actions.

1. Add a form element in your protocol template.

2. Add a text table from the text editor bar with one row and the desired number of columns.

3. Make sure to create Headers by clicking on the "H" symbol on the table menu. The headers will act as the headers for the dataset. Headers should be unique.

4. You can then add the form fields into the table's cells.

5. Click on "Link with dataset"

6. When linking the Form to a Table Dataset, you can select one of these two options:
​a. Create a new Dataset for each new experiment initiated from the protocol.
​b. Consolidate data into a single Dataset across all experiments initiated from the same protocol.

7. Allow duplicate rows:

To enable the option to duplicate rows - click on "Settings" in the form element in your protocol, after you linked it with a table dataset.

Next, select "Allow duplicate rows".

When you start an experiment from this protocol, you will see the "Duplicate row" button below the table.

This way you can add as many rows as you need during your experiment.