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Purpose

Extracting data from tables can be slow and error-prone. Affinda’s table editor makes this process fast and reliable by letting you validate and correct tables using two editing modes: Grid (for clean, column-based tables) and Freeform (for irregular or nested layouts). This tutorial explains how to review and adjust tables extracted by Affinda — whether you are:
  • Improving model performance by confirming correctly extracted tables (adding them to model memory), or
  • Reviewing documents as part of ongoing processing workflows.

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Grid vs Freeform

Affinda automatically selects a table mode when a table is detected or drawn, but you can switch at any time using the Grid / Freeform toggle at the top of the editor.

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Grid

Use Grid for classic, well-structured tables where data falls neatly into rows and columns.
  • Best for: invoices, order lines, financial tables, spreadsheets
  • You adjust row lines and column lines directly on the document
  • The table output updates immediately as you move lines — no Fill down used in Grid mode

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Freeform

Use Freeform when the table cannot be cleanly separated by vertical columns — for example, when fields are stacked (e.g. a code on one line and a description beneath it).
  • Best for: irregular layouts, nested blocks, multi-line item structures
  • You annotate one complete example row
  • Then apply Fill down to propagate that row’s logic to all remaining rows

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Step-by-Step

1

Create a new table (if required)

In most cases, Affinda will automatically predict a table that exists in the document.
If not — or if you delete the prediction — draw a box around the table area (excluding the header) and select the correct table field.Affinda will immediately detect rows and prefill values based on the table type.
2

Edit table boundary

Click the table boundary and drag to adjust it if needed.
This ensures all rows and fields are included before you begin refining the table.The boundary can be adjusted in both Grid and Freeform modes.
3

Set and adjust table rows

Rows are edited the same way in both Grid and Freeform modes.Adjusting row linesDrag the horizontal row lines up or down so each row contains exactly one line item.Add / remove rows
  • Hover on the left side of the table to add a new row (a + button appears)
  • Click the ✕ next to a row to delete it
Tick / UntickTick marks on the left control whether a row is included in the table output.
  • Ticked rows → included
  • Unticked rows → ignored
4

Grid mode: Adjust columns and assign fields

In Grid mode, drag vertical column lines at the top of the table to match the document’s structure.Once the columns are aligned:
  • Click the column header dropdown
  • Select the correct field (e.g. Description, Quantity, PO Number, Total)
The table output updates instantly as you adjust the grid — no Fill down is needed in Grid mode.
5

Freeform: Annotate the first row and Fill down

In Freeform mode, annotate a single complete example row by drawing boxes around each field exactly as it appears (e.g. a stacked “CT number + description” pair).When the first row looks correct:
  • Click Fill down to apply its structure to the remaining rows
  • If for some instance Fill down doesn’t work correctly for a later row, correct that row manually and apply Fill down again from that row downward

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Tip: Set rows correctly before filling down

Fill down relies heavily on accurate row boundaries. The cleaner the row structure, the better the propagation.
6

Freeform: Repeat corrections (if required)

Most tables will be correct after the first Fill down or first Grid adjustment.If not:
  • Fix the next incorrect row
  • In Freeform mode, apply Fill down again from that row
  • Continue until all rows look accurate
This top-to-bottom workflow gives the best results.