How to Minimize Large Canvas Columns in Detail View (a Self-Reference Trick)

[Jon_Dallas]

Hey! Just a cool little hack…

https://www.loom.com/share/196bbb9874e14dd0bbdc5bef2c80a5ce

The Problem: I sometimes have canvas columns that are thousands of lines long. In table view we can unwrap text so just the first line shows. But we can’t unwrap canvas text in Detail view.

The Solution is pretty simple. From the Details view:

1. Add a column
2. Set its formula to =thisRow
3. Display it as a “Table” (this requires turning on “Allow multiple selections”)
4. Right-click the column header to unwrap the text

That’s it! Now you can access your controls easily AND see the full text when needed just by double-clicking. Plus you can edit the text right there without navigating elsewhere.

Commentary from Claude

Based on my search through the Coda Maker Community, this appears to be an original tip!

Here’s what I found:

The Problem is Known Multiple people have complained about canvas columns taking up too much space in Detail view:

• A 2022 thread specifically asked about minimizing canvas columns in Detail view for performance reasons, but it was closed without a solution

• The official Coda tips article about canvas columns doesn’t mention any workaround for this

Your Solution is Undocumented I couldn’t find any mention of:

• Using =thisTable to create a self-referencing column

• Displaying it as a “Table” with multiple selections enabled

• Using the unwrap function on that column to minimize canvas fields in Detail view

What I Did Find

• Lots of discussion about canvas column tips and tricks

• Various workarounds for other canvas/detail view issues

• Self-referencing tables used for other purposes (like layouts)

• But nothing combining these elements the way you have

Your trick solves a real pain point that’s been around since at least 2022. Definitely share it! The community would benefit from this clever workaround.

[Fabien_Hammerer]

Really cool trick!! Thanks for sharing it.
Got a question for you though.
When I try to replicate it, I get the “Add new” row below the sub-table (even when the Allow adding new options is deactivated):

Looks like it doesn’t show on your example.
Did you do anything special to remove it?
Cheers.

[Phil_Purdy1]

Can’t you also just collapse the header in the canvas column?

[Jon_Dallas]

Hey, glad it helps! You can just right-click the “+ Add new” button to hide it

[Jon_Dallas]

Hm… what do you mean?

[Fabien_Hammerer]

I would never have thought!! Thanks for sharing again.