Prepare for import
1. Clean your tabs
Each tab should contain one type of information and should have uniform rows and columns throughout.
2. Create consistent columns
Each column should be holding the same type of information for all of the rows in your sheet.
3. Add a header row
Your sheet should contain headers in the first row with the name of each column captured in the header.
Three ways to import
Create a new base from import
Each tab should contain one type of information and should have uniform rows and columns throughout.
Import a table into an existing base
Each column should be holding the same type of information for all of the rows in your sheet.
Add new records or update records
Your sheet should contain headers in the first row with the name of each column captured in the header.
Best practices after import
After you import you'll see a table comprised of single-line text fields.To get the most out of Airtable, we highly recommend that you take the time to convert fields from single line text fields to other field types, such as:
Changing a field containing numbers into a number field
Changing a field containing lists of tags into a multiple select field
Changing a field containing defined options into a single select field
Changing a field containing long paragraphs of text into a long text field
Changing a field containing values that are important enough to warrant their own table into a linked record field (which will create a new table)Terminology
Spreadsheet = Base
Each spreadsheet is organized into its own spreadsheet file. In Airtable, each spreadsheet will become its own base.Tabs = Tables
Spreadsheets contain tabs for different data sets. In Airtable, each type of data is organized into its own table.Rows = Records
Spreadsheets contain rows of information. In Airtable, those are called records.Columns = Fields
Spreadsheets contain columns of data. In Airtable, those are called fields, and there are dozens of field types to add formatting to your data.
Do more in Airtable
Views allows you to customize what information is displayed in a table. All the underlying content in the table will be the same, but how you see that information can differ depending on your needs.
Unlike a spreadsheet, Airtable fields (columns) have specific "types" that allow you to store rich content in each record. With all of these different field types, you can configure a table to perfectly fit your needs!
Apps allow you to extend the capabilities of a base. There are dozens of apps for you to choose from—like chart, page designer, matrix, org chart, or gantt charts—and more to come!
Automations allow you to configure custom trigger-action workflows directly within your base. Save time by automating repetitive tasks, increasing efficiency, and reducing the margin of error.
One of the unique aspects of managing your information in a database is the power of linking records together across tables. Learn how you can put Airtable's linked records to work for you.
Airtable was designed to support effortless collaboration You can collaborate and communicate on the data in your base, and can easily share information with read-only links to bases and views.