SQLite: Create Your Own Database with DB Browser (3.13.1)

Go to my database page

This guide shows step by step how to create a new database and tables with DB Browser for SQLite. Everything explained in simple words.

Important: At the very beginning, you must give the table a name, otherwise the “OK” button will remain grayed out!

1. Create a new database

Start DB Browser for SQLite.
Click on New Database and choose a location + filename, e.g. customers.db.
The “Create Table” window will open automatically.

2. Assign a table name

Enter a name in the Table Name field at the top, e.g. customers or addresses.
Without a table name, the “OK” button remains grayed out.

3. Add fields

Click on Add Field.
Enter the column name (e.g. ID, Name, FirstName, Date).
Select the Type:
- INTEGER = whole number (e.g. for IDs)
- TEXT = text, phone numbers, dates in format YYYY-MM-DD
- REAL = decimal numbers (e.g. prices)
- NUMERIC = exact numbers, often for money amounts
- BLOB = binary data (e.g. images, rarely needed)

4. Field options

NN = Not Null → field cannot be empty
PK = Primary Key → unique identifier of the row
AI = Auto Increment → value increases automatically (e.g. for IDs)
U = Unique → value must be unique (e.g. for email)

5. Collation (sorting behavior)

BINARY = strict (case sensitive)
NOCASE = ignores case
RTRIM = ignores trailing spaces

Recommendation: Choose NOCASE for names and places, BINARY for IDs.

6. Index constraints

Primary Key = main identifier of the table
Unique = no duplicate values

Sorting in descending order is not done here, but later in an SQL query:
SELECT * FROM customers ORDER BY Date DESC;

7. Schema

main = normal tables (always use this)
temp = temporary tables, disappear when closing

8. Example table

This is how your first table could look:

CREATE TABLE "customers" (
  "id"       INTEGER PRIMARY KEY AUTOINCREMENT,
  "Name"     TEXT NOT NULL COLLATE NOCASE,
  "FirstName"  TEXT,
  "ZIP"      TEXT,
  "City"     TEXT,
  "Date"     TEXT, -- Format YYYY-MM-DD
  "Phone"    TEXT,
  "IBAN"     TEXT UNIQUE
);

Now you can fill the table with your own data either using your admin panel or directly in DB Browser.