Ways to create a CDT (Complex Data Type) in Appian:

1. Create CDT Manually in Appian (From Scratch)

You then add:

1. Fields
2. Data types (text, number, boolean, list, etc.)
3. Primary key annotation (if needed)
4. XSD-level annotations

2. Create CDT by Importing an XSD

If you already have a schema (XSD file), you can import it, and Appian automatically generates the CDT.

3. Create CDT Automatically from a Database Table

You can have Appian generate a CDT based on an existing database table.

This automatically:

1. Creates the CDT
2. Maps fields with correct data types
3. Generates primary key annotation
4. Optionally creates the data store entity

4. Create CDT by Using Quick Apps (Auto-generated)

When you build a Quick App, Appian automatically creates CDTs based on your data fields.

These are system-generated but still valid CDTs visible in your object list.