Connect and Visualize your API Endpoint in Retool

In this step-by-step guide, we'll learn how to take an API endpoint from Xano and create data visualizations using Retool, a powerful no-code tool for building internal tools and dashboards.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have:

1. A Xano account with a workspace containing data.
2. A Retool account (you can sign up for free).

Step 1: Retrieve the API Endpoint from Xano

1. Log in to your Xano account and navigate to the workspace containing the data you want to visualize.
2. In the left sidebar, click on "Database" to view your data tables.
3. Select the table you want to visualize data from.
4. In the right sidebar, click on the "API" tab.
5. Locate the API endpoint that retrieves data from the selected table (e.g., `GET /content`).
6. Take note of the base URL for your API group, which is displayed at the top of the API tab.

Step 2: Create a Retool Resource

1. Log in to your Retool account and click on the "Resources" tab in the left sidebar.
2. Click "Create new" and select "REST API."
3. Give your resource a name (e.g., "Xano Content API").
4. Paste the base URL from Xano into the "Base URL" field.
5. Click "Create resource."

Step 3: Create a Retool App

1. In the left sidebar of Retool, click "Create app."
2. Give your app a name (e.g., "Xano Data Visualization").
3. Click "Create app."

Step 4: Connect the Xano API Endpoint

1. In the Retool app editor, locate the "Resources" section on the right sidebar.
2. Click the resource you created in Step 2.
3. In the "Path" field, enter the path to your API endpoint (e.g., `/content`).
4. Click "Preview" to ensure the data is being retrieved correctly.
5. Click "Save and run" to save the resource.

Step 5: Insert a Chart Module

1. In the Retool app editor, locate the "Insert" section on the right sidebar.
2. Drag and drop the "Chart" module onto the canvas.
3. Retool will automatically populate the chart with the data from your Xano API endpoint.

Step 6: Customize the Chart

1. Click on the chart to bring up its configuration options in the right sidebar.
2. Adjust the chart type (e.g., bar chart, pie chart) by selecting the desired option under "Chart type."
3. Configure the x-axis and y-axis data by selecting the appropriate fields from your data.
4. Customize the grouping and stacking options to visualize the data in the desired format.
5. Experiment with other chart settings, such as colors, labels, and legends, to enhance the visual representation.

Step 7: Explore and Share

1. Continue refining your chart by applying filters, sorting, or combining data from multiple resources.
2. Share your visualization with your team by clicking the "Share" button in the top-right corner of the Retool app editor.
3. Collaborate with others by granting access or embedding the visualization in your internal tools or dashboards.

Congratulations! You've successfully created a data visualization using Xano and Retool. This powerful combination allows you to leverage your Xano data in a user-friendly, no-code environment, enabling you to gain insights and build custom tools without writing a single line of code.