Click + New Solution in the bottom left of the Home Page and choose Start with a Template (the Solution Library), Build from Scratch, Create with AI (describe the workflow and the AI builds the tables) or Create from Import (CSV or Airtable). Only Solution Creators and Administrators see the button.
SmartSuite brings together traditional elements of a database, spreadsheet, documents, collaboration tools, file management tools, and automation capabilities so teams deliver work faster.
All these capabilities are included in what we call "Solutions," which can be built from scratch similar to how you'd create a spreadsheet or downloaded as an industry specific templates. This article dives into some tips and best practices to get you started and includes links to our series of tutorials that step you through the process of creating from scratch.
Plan Availability | All plan types |
Permissions | Solution Creator or Administrator role required to create Solutions. |
Platform | Web |
Related Reading |
How do I create a solution?
From your Home Page, click + New Solution in the bottom left corner. If you don't see this option, your role does not permit you to perform this action. Solutions can only be created by Solution Creators or Admins.
Select from the following options: Start with a Template to open the Solution Library, Build from Scratch to start with an empty Solution, or Create with AI to turn a description into an AI-generated Solution
How do I start from a template?
Every subscription to SmartSuite includes access to our Solution Library, where you'll find fully built Solutions, crafted in partnership with experts in their trade and available to install in your workspace with a single click.
We recommend starting with a trip to the Solution Library - even installing a base solution and modifying to your specific organization, workflow, or process needs will save time and effort.
From your Home Page, click "+ New Solution" and choose to Start with a Template to open the Solution Library.
How do I start from scratch?
To start from scratch, click on "Build from scratch" option to open a new empty solution.
Learn the structure first
Before building, read how SmartSuite is structured.
Take a quick read of The Structure of SmartSuite article to understand how Solutions work with Tables, which work with Records and Fields.
How do I create a solution with AI?
The SmartSuite AI Solution Generator will create a customized Solution in just 1-2 minutes based on your needs, with the ability to modify it later.
Steps
From the New Solution window, select "Create with AI"
3. A window, "Generate Solution with AI" will display. Here you describe the workflow you are looking to achieve.
Example:
Say you are a team of a Marketing Agency looking to organize Projects/Campaigns, their Content, and Deliverables. There are many team members managing those projects and content as well as creatives responsible for the deliverables. You are also looking for a way to track the time each member spends on the projects and a way to assign content.
An example prompt could include the following:
Example: a marketing agency solution
The Generated Solution is now a New Solution located in your Workspace.
In this example, the generated Solution includes an AI-created template with the following prebuilt Apps: Projects, Content, and Deliverables.
Projects: The Project App automatically created:
A Status field to determine the status of each project
A Date Field for the Start and End Date for each project
Single Select Fields to determine the Team member, Content Assignee, and Deliverable Manager
Content
In the Content App, the Solution Generator created the following fields:
Due Due Field: To manage the date the content is due.
Duration Field: To track the amount of time spent on each content
SmartDoc Field: Our rich text field to describe the scope of the content
Single Select Field: To denote the phrase of the Project
Linked Record Field: To create the relationship between the content and the corresponding project
Deliverables
The Deliverable App includes the following fields:
Title Field: Deliverable Title
Due Date Field: Representing the date the deliverable is due
Duration Field: To manage the time spent on each deliverable
SmartDoc: A document to describe the deliverable
Single Select: The Team Member responsible for managing the deliverable
The Solution Generator serves as a great framework for creating your custom workflows in SmartSuite. Add fields and make it your own.
Note: Solution Managers control access to this solution and can modify its structure.
How do I create a solution from an import?
Below the Solution creation options, you can select "Create from Import" which allows you to import data to create tables and fields in a Solution.
Import from CSV
Prepare Your CSV File: Ensure columns (fields) and rows (records) are well-structured.
Start the Import: Select Create Solution > Import from CSV.
Upload the File: Drag and drop your CSV.
Field Mapping: Review and adjust mappings.
Complete the Import: Click Import to generate tables and records.
Customize Your Solution: Adjust views, add/remove fields, and create dashboards.
Import from Airtable
Connect Airtable: Start a new Solution and select Import from Airtable.
Authorize SmartSuite: Log in and select the Airtable base to import.
Map Fields: Adjust imported tables and fields.
Finalize the Import: Click Import to generate tables and records.
Post-Import Customization: Modify views, filters, and layout.
Why import
Speed: Transition data quickly.
Automation: SmartSuite structures imported data.
Customization: Adjust and tailor the imported Solution.
Tips
Clean Your Data: Organize it before import.
Test with a Small Sample: Ensure accurate mapping.
Review After Import: Verify structure and adjust views.
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Frequently asked questions
I cannot see the New Solution button. Why?
Your role does not allow it. Solutions can only be created by Solution Creators and Administrators; ask an Administrator to change your role or to create the solution.
Can I build a solution from my Excel spreadsheets?
Yes. Save each sheet as a CSV, then choose Create from Import > Import from CSV, map the columns to fields and import. Each CSV becomes a table.
Can AI build a table from a spreadsheet?
Import the spreadsheet first (CSV), then use the AI Workflow Builder to add tables, fields and views from a description. Create with AI builds a new solution from a description alone.
I built a test solution in the trial. How do I start over?
Delete a template's sample records with Delete Solution Demo Data, or delete the solution from its menu and create a new one. Deleted solutions can be restored from the Recycle Bin.
How long does Create with AI take?
About 1 to 2 minutes. You can change anything it builds afterwards.
Last verified 21 Oct 2026 against the pricing page (200+ templates, Create using AI, Data Import) and this article as Product wrote it in Sep 2025; the duplicated AI walkthrough removed