# Data Grid | WinForms Controls | DevExpress Documentation The [WinForms Data Grid](https://www.devexpress.com/products/net/controls/winforms/grid/) is a high-performance UI component powered by the DirectX rendering engine. The Data Grid ([GridControl](/WindowsForms/DevExpress.XtraGrid.GridControl)) ships with a flexible View-based architecture and includes numerous data shaping and UI customization features. The Data Grid can display and edit data from any data source of any size and complexity. ![WinForms Data Grid | DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-control-overview.png) [Watch Video: Getting Started](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_3kRf0Uisc) [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/ExcelFiltering) ## Bind to Data The Data Grid supports the following data sources and binding modes: - ADO.NET Data Sets - SQL Data - Entity Framework Data - XML Data - Excel Data Sources - LinQ To SQL - MongoDB - JSON - WCF Data Services - IList and IEnumerable - DevExpress ORM Tool ([XPO](/XPO/1998/express-persistent-objects)) - Real-Time Data Display - Ultra-Fast Asynchronous and Synchronous Server Modes^[1]^ - Unbound Columns^[2]^ With its integrated [Data Source Configuration Wizard](/WindowsForms/16633/common-features/data-binding/data-source-configuration-wizard), you can bind the Data Grid without writing a single line of code. Read the following topic for information on supported technologies and data sources: [Data Binding](/WindowsForms/634/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/data-binding). Note The Data Grid does not support unbound mode. The grid cannot function without a data source. ## Data Presentation Views The Data Grid control uses [Views](/WindowsForms/114636/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/views) to display data from a data source. Views specify the presentation and layout of data records and fields. Views include a comprehensive set of edit, display, behavior, and appearance options. - [Traditional Table (Grid View)](/WindowsForms/3464/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/views/grid-view) - [Banded Grid View](/WindowsForms/114637/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/views/banded-grid-views) - [Advanced Banded Grid View](/WindowsForms/114637/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/views/banded-grid-views) - [Card View](/WindowsForms/114638/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/views/card-and-layout-views) - [Carousel (Layout View)](/WindowsForms/5787/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/views/card-and-layout-views/layout-view) - [Windows Explorer View](/WindowsForms/114759/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/views/winexplorer-view) - [Tile View and Kanban Board](/WindowsForms/114728/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/views/tile-view) - [HTML & CSS Templated View (Items View)](/WindowsForms/DevExpress.XtraGrid.Views.Items.ItemsView) ![Grid View](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-gridview-slide.png)Grid View ![Banded Grid View](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-bandedgridview-slide.png)Banded Grid View ![Card View](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-cardview-slide.png)Card View ![WinExplorer View with HTML & CSS Markup Support](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-winexplorerview-html-css-templates-slide.png)WinExplorer View with HTML & CSS Markup Support ![Tile View](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-tileview-slide.png)Tile View ![Kanban Board - Tile View](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-kanban-board-slide.png)Kanban Board - Tile View ![Tile View with HTML & CSS Templates](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-tileview-html-css-templates-slide.png)Tile View with HTML & CSS Templates ![Items View - HTML & CSS Templates](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-itemsview-slide.png)Items View - HTML & CSS Templates ![Layout/Carousel View](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-layoutview-slide.png)Layout/Carousel View Read the following topic for details: [Get Started with Data Grid and Views](/WindowsForms/113894/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/getting-started-with-data-grid-and-views). ## DirectX Hardware Acceleration With [DirectX hardware acceleration](/WindowsForms/119441/common-features/graphics-performance-and-high-dpi/directx-hardware-acceleration), the Data Grid introduces a major increase in overall performance and HighDPI rendering quality (4K/8K). [Watch Video: DirectX vs GDI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3S07DnPqHk) ## HTML & CSS Markup Support [HTML & CSS Markup](/WindowsForms/403397/common-features/html-css-based-desktop-ui) allows you to define data-aware templates quickly for Grid UI elements and create web-inspired user interfaces. This feature allows you to eliminate the use of property-based UI customizations and CustomDraw events. ![HTML and CSS Markup Support - WinForms Data Grid | DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-explorerview-css-templates-devexpress.png) [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MxKGQZTDVc) [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/HTML/MainDemo/WinExplorerViewModule) ## Grid Customization The Data Grid includes dozens of UI/UX customization options available to you and your users. Its advanced customization features include: - [End-User Column Resize and Rearrangement](/WindowsForms/826/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/end-user-capabilities/end-user-capabilities-rearranging-columns-bands-and-card-fields) - [Show/Hide Columns and Bands / Column Customization Window](/WindowsForms/825/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/end-user-capabilities/end-user-capabilities-controlling-the-visibility-of-columns-bands-and-card-fields) - [Column Auto Width and Best Fit](/WindowsForms/114718/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/getting-started/walkthroughs/grid-view-columns-rows-and-cells/tutorial-auto-width-mode) - [Fixed Columns and Bands (Pinned Panes)](/WindowsForms/114719/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/getting-started/walkthroughs/grid-view-columns-rows-and-cells/tutorial-fixed-columns) - [Split Presentation](/WindowsForms/10872/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/split-presentation) - [Row Preview](/WindowsForms/3503/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/row-preview-sections) - [Cell Merge](/WindowsForms/114730/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/getting-started/walkthroughs/grid-view-columns-rows-and-cells/tutorial-cell-merging) - [Cell and Row Selection](/WindowsForms/711/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/focus-and-selection-handling/multiple-row-and-cell-selection) - [Horizontal and Vertical Scrolling](/WindowsForms/114739/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/scrolling) - [Scrollbar Annotations](/WindowsForms/120556/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/scrolling/scrollbar-annotations) - [Row Resize - Auto and Custom Row Height](/WindowsForms/114723/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/getting-started/walkthroughs/grid-view-columns-rows-and-cells/tutorial-row-height-and-layout-basics) - [Save and Restore Grid Layout](/WindowsForms/772/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/save-and-restore-layout) [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loUjh0177zQ) ## Group Data You can group data against one or multiple columns in Grid Views, Banded Grid Views, and Advanced Banded Grid Views. Users can drag column headers and drop them onto the [group panel](/WindowsForms/530/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/visual-elements/grid-view-elements/group-panel) to group data. ![Data Grouping - WinForms Data Grid | DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-group-rows-overview.png) Data grouping features include: - Group Data by Column Values or Display Text - Interval Grouping Inspired by MS Outlook - Inline Grouping - Merged Column Grouping - Master-Detail Grouping - Custom Grouping on Events - Fixed Group Rows - Sort Group Rows by Summary - Comprehensive API Read the following topic to learn more: [Data Grouping](/WindowsForms/3500/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/grouping). [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqocVt10kIw) [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/GroupInterval) ## Sort Data The Data Grid ships with high-speed multi-column sorting. With its comprehensive sorting API, you can sort data in all Views and implement custom sorting algorithms. Users can sort data in Grid Views, Banded Grid Views, Advanced Banded Grid Views, Layout Views, and Card Views. Read the following topic to learn more: [Sorting](/WindowsForms/3499/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/sorting). [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUlXkJCUc1U) [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/SortingBySummary) ## Data Summaries and Aggregates ![Data Summaries and Aggregates - WinForms Data Grid | DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-summaries-overview.png) Grid Views, Banded Grid Views, and Advanced Banded Grid Views support the following data aggregation options: - Automatic Summaries (Average, Count, Min, Max, Sum) - Total Summaries (against all rows) - Group Summaries (against grouped data) - Custom Summaries - Summary Context Menu - Show multiple total summaries for a single column - Display Group Summaries in Footers and Group Rows - Format Summary Values - Sort Group Rows by Summary Read the following topic to learn more: [Summaries](/WindowsForms/3502/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/summaries). [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sc7ENaACVw) [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/DataSummaries) ## Edit and Validate Data The Data Grid allows you to incorporate over 35 individual data editors, sparklines, and charts within grid cells. Users can edit cell values in-place or in a separate edit form. ![Edit and Validate Data - WinForms Data Grid | DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-editing-and-validation-overview.png) Advanced data editing features include: - New Item Row (add new records) - Edit Data Inline - Inline and Modal Edit Forms - Create Custom Edit Forms - Edit Masks and HTML Formatting - Input Validation and Error Indication - Embedded Data Navigator - Comprehensive Data Editing API Read the following topic to learn more: [Data Editing and Validation](/WindowsForms/114634/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/data-editing-and-validation). [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=povVd1iJkHc) [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/InplaceEditors) ## Data Filtering and Search ![Data Filtering and Search - WinForms Data Grid | DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-excel-filters-overview.png) The Data Grid includes a comprehensive set of filter and custom query options. - Integrated Find Panel (CTRL+F) - Incremental Search - [AI-powered Semantic Search](/WindowsForms/405400/ai-powered-extensions/semantic-search) - Auto Filter Row - Excel-Inspired Filter Dropdowns - Filter History (Most Recently Used Filters) - Filter Criteria Editor - Group Filters Read the following topic to learn more: [Filter and Search](/WindowsForms/114635/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/filter-and-search). [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoV2Ij0g3K4) [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/FindFilter) Tip `GridControl`, `GridLookUpEdit`, and `SearchLookUpEdit` support AI-powered Semantic Search. Unlike standard keyword-based search, semantic search leverages Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze search queries beyond exact keyword matching. See the following help topic for additional information: [Semantic Search](/WindowsForms/405400/ai-powered-extensions/semantic-search). [Run Demo: Semantic Search](dxdemo://Win/AI/MainDemo/SemanticSearchModule) ## AI-powered Features ### Semantic Search Semantic search enables users to locate relevant data quickly and accurately within large datasets. Unlike standard keyword-based search, semantic search leverages Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze search queries beyond exact keyword matching. ![AI-driven Semantic Search - WinForms Data Grid, DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-grid-semantic-search-devexpress.gif) [Run Demo: Semantic Search - Grid Control](dxdemo://Win/AI/MainDemo/SemanticSearchModule) Read the following help topic to learn more: [AI-powered Semantic Search](/WindowsForms/405400/ai-powered-extensions/semantic-search). ### Smart Paste “SmartPaste” is an AI-powered feature that transforms the traditional copy-and-paste process into a smarter, more efficient tool. Designed to improve productivity, SmartPaste analyzes the content you copy and intelligently assigns the right values to the appropriate row cells in the Data Grid. [Run Demo: Smart Paste](dxdemo://Win/AI/MainDemo/SmartPasteAIModule) Read the following help topic to learn more: [AI-powered Smart Paste](/WindowsForms/405152/ai-powered-extensions/smart-paste). ## Focus and Selection Users can navigate between grid cells (move cell focus) with a mouse and keyboard. The Data Grid also supports multiple cell and row/card selection. Grid Views and Banded Grid Views can display a [column with checkboxes](/WindowsForms/16439/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/focus-and-selection-handling/multiple-row-selection-via-built-in-check-column-and-selection-binding) that allows users to select rows. ![Focus and Selection - WinForms Data Grid | DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-row-and-cell-selection-overview.png) Read the following topics for more information on row/cell selection: - [Focus Grid Cells](/WindowsForms/741/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/focus-and-selection-handling/focusing-cells) - [Move Row Focus](/WindowsForms/1028/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/focus-and-selection-handling/moving-row-focus) - [Multiple Row and Cell Selection](/WindowsForms/711/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/focus-and-selection-handling/multiple-row-and-cell-selection) - [Built-In Check Column and Selection Binding](/WindowsForms/16439/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/focus-and-selection-handling/multiple-row-selection-via-built-in-check-column-and-selection-binding) - [Data Navigation UI](/WindowsForms/1030/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/focus-and-selection-handling/using-navigators) [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/CellSelection) ## Format Cell Values Column editors automatically format cell values according to the editor’s type and settings. Built-in text formatting options include: - [Composite Formatting](/WindowsForms/2143/common-features/formatting-values/composite-formatting) - [HTML Text Formatting](/WindowsForms/4874/common-features/html-text-formatting) - [Custom Formatting](/WindowsForms/2142/common-features/formatting-values/custom-formatting) - [Standard and Custom Format Specifiers](/WindowsForms/2141/common-features/formatting-values/format-specifiers) Read the following topic for detailed information on how to format cells with HTML tags, events, and masks: [Format Cell Values](/WindowsForms/1473/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/formatting-cell-values). ## Excel-Inspired Conditional Formatting Conditional Formatting allows you and your users to highlight cells and rows with animated data bars, icons, and predefined color scales based on specified criteria. ![Excel-Inspired Conditional Formatting - WinForms Data Grid | DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-conditional-formatting-overview.png) You can use predefined format rules or create custom rules. The Data Grid ships with both a design-time and runtime Conditional Formatting Rule Editor. Read the following topic to learn more: [Conditional Formatting](/WindowsForms/115548/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/appearance-and-conditional-formatting). [Watch Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O7usUTjOc8) [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/FormatRules) ## Master-Detail The Data Grid allows you to create Master-Detail layouts with any number of nesting levels and any number of details at each level. You can display master tables in Grid Views, Banded Grid Views, or Advanced Banded Grid Views, and show detail tables in any View type. ![Master-Detail - WinForms Data Grid | DevExpress](/WindowsForms/images/winforms-data-grid-master-detail-overview.png) The Data Grid automatically enables master-detail mode if data source records contain a property (or properties) of a collection type. See the following topic for detailed information and examples: [Master-Detail Relationships](/WindowsForms/3473/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/master-detail-relationships). Note Use one of the following techniques to implement master-detail functionality for data sources that cannot organize master-detail relationships at the data layer: - Implement the IRelationList interface for your data source. - Handle the grid control’s master-detail events. [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/MasterDetailSimple) ## Print and Export You can print and export Data Grid content to multiple file formats (PDF, XLS, XLSX, MHT, CSV, HTML, RTF, DOCX, TXT, IMAGE). Read the following topics for detailed information and examples: - [Printing Overview](/WindowsForms/990/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/export-and-printing/printing-overview) - [Export Overview](/WindowsForms/995/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/export-and-printing/export-overview) - [Export to XLS and XLSX](/WindowsForms/17733/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/export-and-printing/export-to-xls-and-xlsx-formats) - [Advanced Grid Printing and Exporting](/WindowsForms/114962/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/export-and-printing/advanced-grid-printing-and-exporting) ## Appearance Customization The Data Grid supports multiple appearance options/techniques. - [DevExpress Application Skins](/WindowsForms/2399/build-an-application/skins) - [HTML & CSS Markup for ItemsView, WinExplorer View, and Tile View](/WindowsForms/403397/common-features/html-css-based-desktop-ui) - [Property-Based Appearance Customization](/WindowsForms/115548/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/appearance-and-conditional-formatting) - [Custom Draw API - Manual Painting](/WindowsForms/3496/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/appearance-and-conditional-formatting/custom-painting) ## Drag-and-Drop Rows Users can drag and drop data items (rows, tiles, etc.) inside or outside the Data Grid. Read the following topic for details and examples: [Drag-and-Drop Grid Rows](/WindowsForms/401989/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/drag-and-drop). [Run Demo](dxdemo://Win/XtraGrid/MainDemo/DragDrop) ## Design-Time Customization The Data Grid ships with a powerful Visual Studio IDE designer and intuitive customization interface designed to simplify setup. Design-time UI/UX customization options include: - [Grid Designer](/WindowsForms/805/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/design-time-features/grid-designer) - [Level Designer](/WindowsForms/912/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/design-time-features/level-designer) - [Data Source Configuration Wizard](/WindowsForms/16633/common-features/data-binding/data-source-configuration-wizard) - [On-form Band and Column Customization](/WindowsForms/911/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/design-time-features/on-form-band-and-column-customization) ## Miscellaneous Features - [Iterate All/Visible Rows](/WindowsForms/3484/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/views/grid-view/rows) - [Asynchronous Image Load in WinExplorer and Tile Views](/WindowsForms/17542/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/asynchronous-image-load/asynchronous-image-load-in-data-grid) - [Batch Modifications - Eliminate Excessive Updates](/WindowsForms/3514/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/batch-modifications) - [Save and Restore Grid Layout](/WindowsForms/772/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/save-and-restore-layout) - [Hit Information](/WindowsForms/3511/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/hit-information) - [Hints](/WindowsForms/3512/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/data-grid-tooltips) - [Popup Menus](/WindowsForms/3505/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/popup-menus) ## Troubleshooting [Common Issues and Troubleshooting - WinForms Grid Control](https://supportcenter.devexpress.com/ticket/details/t934742/devexpress-winforms-troubleshooting-grid-control) Footnotes 1. Use Server modes for extremely large data sets. Even if your data source contains millions of records, the grid maintains its performance because it loads records in small portions on demand and performs data-related operations (data sorting, filtering, and summary calculation) on the server side. Server modes replace traditional data pagination. Read the following topic for details: [Large Data Sources: Server and Instant Feedback Modes](/WindowsForms/8398/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/data-binding/large-data-sources-server-and-instant-feedback-modes). 2. Unbound columns allow you to display custom data. Values for these columns can be calculated according to an expression or within an event handler. See the following topic for details and examples: [Unbound Columns](/WindowsForms/1477/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/unbound-columns). See Also [Examples](/WindowsForms/3000/controls-and-libraries/data-grid/examples)