The Data layer is where all your app’s information lives.
It’s the foundation that keeps everything consistent, connected, and accessible - for both your app and your agents.
What the Data Layer Does
The Data layer stores all information related to your app, including:
Data generated by the app (e.g., contact lists, form submissions, generated content)
Data added during use (e.g., uploaded documents, filled-out forms)
Data shared during the build (e.g., an Excel sheet uploaded as initial data)
Data from external tools( e.g, integrations)
When you create an app with Ella, the Data layer is automatically built from your prompt.
It’s how the information displayed in the Design layer is stored, updated, and kept consistent across your app.
Tip: If information doesn’t appear as expected in your app, check that it’s saved in the Data layer.
Go to the Data tab to view your tables and columns.
If it’s not saved, ask Ella to fix it.
If it is saved, ask Ella to present it in the Design layer
How Agents Use the Data Layer
The Data layer doesn’t just store information - it also powers your AI agents.
Agents use your app’s data tables as context to understand what to act on and where to save their results.
For example:
If you build an app that gathers emails from specific contacts, your Contacts table helps the agent know which contacts to focus on.
If you have an agent that researches leads, the agent will save all findings into a table - so you can later use that information to take further action (like sending a personalized email).
The Two Sections of the Data Layer
The Data layer is divided into two main sections:
1. Data Tables
Where all structured app data lives — the core of how information is stored, displayed, and used by your app and agents.
2. Folders (Knowledge)
Folders — also known as Knowledge — let you share deeper context with your agents.
Think of them as libraries of your company’s documents, templates, and resources that agents can learn from.
You can upload any type of file — documents, slides, spreadsheets, templates, images, or PDFs — and choose exactly which agent can access what.
It’s how:
Your SDR agent knows your real use cases and outreach tone.
Your support agent replies in your brand’s voice.
Your internal operations agent runs tasks on autopilot, fully aware of your workflows and policies.
You stay in full control:
Decide what to share, with whom, and even per action.
Add folders with relevant documents, then connect them to your agents as “Knowledge.”
💡 Example: You can share outreach templates and use cases with your SDR agent to help personalize outreach - but you don’t need to give access to that same information for scheduling meetings.
Summary
The Data layer is the backbone of your app:
It stores all your data.
It gives your agents the context they need to act intelligently.
It connects structured data (tables) with deeper knowledge (folders).
Together, they enable smarter, more capable apps and agents that truly understand your business.