# Track progress with column types

> A typed column defines what a column contains: date, person, status, link, element locator, checkbox or file. A smart chip represents one of those values inside a cell or in compatible text. It is…

Source: https://docs.vectorboard.app/en/data-and-calculations/track-progress-with-column-types/ · DATA AND CALCULATIONS

A typed column defines what a column contains: date, person, status, link, element locator, checkbox or file. A smart chip represents one of those values inside a cell or in compatible text. It is not just a decorative label: a date can be compared and a status can be counted.

1. Create the columns Task, Owner, Due date, Status and Done. Assign the appropriate type to each one.

![Typed columns and chips](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-875.webp)
*Track the work*

2. Adapt the status options to your process. Define the name, color and order, and mark which one means completed.

![Custom statuses](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-876.webp)
*Adapt the statuses to your process*

3. Enter real dates, not ambiguous text. An overdue date is highlighted only if the row is not completed.
4. Sort to change the sequence of rows and filter to show the ones that meet a condition. Filtering hides rows. It does not delete them.

![Track progress with column types](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-877.webp)

![Sort and filter](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-878.webp)
*Focus on the pending work*

5. Apply conditional colors, a scale or progress bars to show numeric patterns.

![Track progress with column types](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-879.webp)

![Conditional colors](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-880.webp)

Show how much progress has been made

6. Type `@` in a cell or compatible text to insert a date, person, status, link or file chip.

![Smart chips in text](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-881.webp)
*Type @ to add dates, statuses and links*

Large tables can hold up to 100,000 rows and 100 columns. The visible frame can show the first rows, the last rows or a scrollable window with a fixed header. Search, formulas and export still cover all the rows. Each person keeps their own scroll position.

![Track progress with column types](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-882.webp)

![Large tables](https://assets.vectorboard.app/docs/fig/fig-883.webp)

Review the most recent records

> **Important:** A validation mark means the value does not match the column type. Correct it or choose the right type before you calculate. An overdue date in red is not the same as a validation error.