Baserow UUID Field - Unique Row Identifiers Explained

The UUID field automatically generates a globally unique 36-character ID for every row, which makes it a natural fit for external systems, APIs, and merging data from separate sources. This article covers what a UUID field is, how to add one to your table, and the key differences between a UUID and an autonumber field.

What is a UUID field?

A UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) field is an automatic field that generates a unique 36-character string (for example, a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-g1h2-i3j4k5l6m7n8) for every new row.

The field has two key properties:

• Non-editable: users cannot manually change the value, which keeps the data trustworthy;
• Globally unique: the generated ID is statistically guaranteed to be unique across every table and every database, not just within its own table.

That makes it a strong choice for a primary field whenever you need a stable, unique ID for APIs, external integrations, or merging data from different sources.

How to add a UUID field

1. In your table, click the plus sign + to add a new field .
2. Select UUID from the field type dropdown menu.
3. Name the field (for example, “Unique ID”).
4. Click Create.

The field populates automatically for every existing row and for each new row you create afterward.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a UUID and an autonumber field? Both fields create unique IDs, but they serve different purposes. The autonumber field creates a simple, human-readable, incrementing number (1, 2, 3…) that is only unique within its own table - a good fit for simple internal references. The UUID field creates a complex, 36-character machine-readable string that is globally unique, which is what you need for a permanent ID across external systems, APIs, or merged databases.

Can I edit a UUID value? No. The field is non-editable, which is exactly what guarantees its uniqueness and integrity as a permanent row identifier.

Can I use a UUID as a primary field? Yes. It’s an excellent choice for a primary field , especially if you plan to access your data through the API or from other applications.

What’s next

To set up simple sequential numbering instead, read about the autonumber field . For the full list of available field types and when to use each one, see the field type overview , and check adding a field for how fields get created and renamed.