Better Table

A better table for your Confluence space that offers the same usability as native tables, but with enhanced editing and formatting features.

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Inspiration

Confluence tables are the core of planning and documentation, but as needs increase, they become strained:

  • Teams want intuitive inline editing instead of complex modal dialogs
  • PMs require structure, such as column types and validation, not just individual cells
  • Contributors seek speed with keyboard workflows, bulk editing, and seamless copy/paste
  • Everyone desires consistency: stable formatting and well-maintained data

Better Table was forged to give your Confluence space the same usability as native tables, but with enhanced editing and formatting features.

What it does

Better Table is a Confluence macro that upgrades native tables with:

  • Inline editing that feels instant, with keyboard-first workflows
  • Resizing columns with persisted state
  • Edit/Publish views
  • Column types (text, number, date, select, tags) with validation (in alpha only text)
  • Smart formatting (quick styles, alignment, auto-fit, sticky header) - not available in alpha
  • Bulk actions (multi-select rows/columns, clear, move, duplicate) - not available in alpha
  • Data operations (copy/paste, CSV import, simple export) - not available in alpha
  • Templates (starter structures: Roadmap, Backlog, Inventory, Decision Log) - not available in alpha
  • Accessibility and performance improvements for large datasets

It looks and behaves like a "native" table - just faster, more intelligent (I hope), and more resilient.

How we built it

  • Platform: Atlassian Forge (UI Kit + Custom UI), designed to run natively inside Confluence
  • UI: UI Kit components provides bridge to Custom UI
  • Custom UI: use Atlassian Design System
  • Data: Forge Key-Value Store API for table state
  • API calls: prefer asUser() where user-context is required; minimized scopes for security
  • Frontend: view.getContext() via @forge/bridge for simple product calls from the UI
  • Backend: lightweight resolvers for storage persistence and permission-checked operations
  • Performance: careful re-render control and efficient state diffs for large tables
  • Packaging: icons and assets served via declared resources to ensure predictable bundling (Vite)

Challenges we ran into

  • UI Kit constraints: there's no "Table" component - DynamicTable + InlineEdit wasn't ready for my needs. So I rebuilt the table with performance and accessibility in mind
  • Asset packaging: Confluence macro icons must be a path relative to a declared resource (or an absolute URL). Caching and packaging nuances made this trickier than expected
  • Data modeling: balancing freeform editing with typed columns and validation, without bloating storage writes or hurting responsiveness (already found what to improve)
  • Keyboard flows: supporting intuitive cell navigation, selection, and batch edits within UI Kit's event model
  • Confluence context: ensuring the macro behaves predictably across pages, versions, and editing contexts

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Native-feeling inline edit experience that "just works" for everyday users
  • Structured columns
  • Performance that supports larger tables with smooth editing
  • Minimal permissions and a secure storage strategy aligned with Forge best practices
  • An architecture that is maintainable and comfortably fits within Forge's constraints

What we learned

  • In Forge, "simple" wins: data and UI decisions that align with the platform's core principles reduce surprises
  • Macro icons must be served from declared resources
  • Validate early: test UI Kit behavior and data structures in small, end-to-end segments before finalizing patterns
  • Use unit tests and Storybook to streamline development and speed up delivery
  • Be explicit with scopes and context: prefer asUser() for user-backed actions and maintain strict permissions

What's next for Better Table

  • Advanced column types and behaviors
    • Formulas (basic computed fields)
    • Conditional formatting
    • Rich select/multi-select with color tags
  • Data import/export
    • CSV/JSON/XLSX import/export with type-aware mapping
    • Templates gallery with one-click apply and override
  • Collaboration & guardrails
    • Soft locks/conflict awareness
    • Row-level operations with undo/redo
  • Automations and integrations
    • Jira issue sync: create/edit issues from rows, link statuses
    • Confluence actions: turn a row into a page
  • Usability and polish
    • Keyboard shortcuts quick reference
    • Localization and improved accessibility
    • Mobile-friendly editing state

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