Mandrel Documentation

Complete guide to using Mandrel's dynamic content management system

Getting Started

Mandrel is a powerful, flexible content management system that allows you to create custom data collections and manage content without any coding knowledge.

Quick Start Guide

  1. Sign in to your Mandrel account
  2. Create your first collection with custom fields
  3. Use the visual form builder to organize your data entry
  4. Start adding and managing your content

⚠️ First-Time Setup

After installation, check your database seed output for initial admin credentials. Change these immediately and never use default passwords in production.

Core Features

Dynamic Collections

Create unlimited custom data models with flexible field types including text, numbers, dates, dropdowns, and references to other collections.

Visual Form Builder

Design beautiful forms using drag-and-drop interface. Organize fields into groups and tabs for better user experience.

Role-Based Permissions

Control access with granular permissions. Create custom roles with specific read, create, edit, and delete permissions for each collection.

Advanced Navigation

Build custom navigation menus that link directly to collections with different actions. Supports hover actions and permission-aware visibility.

Data Validation

Built-in validation with custom rules, required fields, unique constraints, and regex patterns to ensure data quality.

Enterprise Features

Session management, rate limiting, caching, email integration, and audit trails for enterprise-grade deployment.

Working with Collections

Creating a Collection

  1. Navigate to Admin → Collections → Create Collection
  2. Enter a name and slug for your collection
  3. Add fields with appropriate types and validation rules
  4. Save your collection - the database table is created automatically

Supported Field Types

Basic Types

  • String: Short text (up to 255 chars)
  • Text: Long text (unlimited)
  • Integer: Whole numbers
  • Decimal: Numbers with decimals
  • Boolean: True/false values
  • UUID: Unique identifiers

Advanced Types

  • Date: Date selection
  • DateTime: Date and time
  • Time: Time only
  • Dropdown: Predefined options
  • Reference: Link to other collections

Dynamic Form Builder

The Form Builder lets you create custom layouts for data entry forms without any coding. Organize fields into logical groups and tabs for better user experience.

Form Structure

  • Header Groups: Main sections visible immediately
  • Subtabs: Organize complex forms into tabs
  • Field Groups: Logical groupings within tabs
  • Custom Labels: User-friendly field names

Building Forms

  1. Open Form Builder from collection page
  2. Drag fields from Available Fields panel
  3. Create groups and subtabs as needed
  4. Customize field labels and order
  5. Save configuration

Best Practices

  • Group related fields together for logical flow
  • Use subtabs for forms with 10+ fields
  • Put essential fields in header groups
  • Use clear, descriptive labels
  • Test forms with actual users

User & Role Management

User Roles

Super Admin

Full system access, can create other super admins and manage all collections.

Admin

Can create collections, manage users, and create custom roles.

User

Access limited to assigned collections with specific permissions.

Permission Levels

Read
View data only
Create
Add new records
Edit
Modify existing
Delete
Remove records

API Reference

Mandrel provides a comprehensive RESTful API for all operations. All endpoints require authentication unless otherwise specified.

Authentication

POST /auth/login
POST /auth/register
POST /auth/logout

Collections

GET /collections
POST /collections
PUT /collections/{id}

Data Management

GET /collections/{id}/data
POST /collections/{id}/data
PUT /collections/{id}/data/{recordId}

User Management

GET /api/users
POST /api/users/invite
PUT /api/users/{id}

Getting Help

Common User Tasks

First Time Users

  • • Sign in with provided credentials
  • • Explore your dashboard
  • • View available collections
  • • Try adding your first record

Collection Creators

  • • Create your first collection
  • • Add fields with validation
  • • Use the form builder
  • • Invite team members

User Roles & Access

Regular User

Access assigned collections, add and edit data based on permissions.

Collection Admin

Create collections, manage forms, invite users to specific collections.

Super Admin

Full system access, manage all users and collections.