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How to Export Airtable to Excel: A Comprehensive Guide

September 25, 2023 1.5K views

Data exportation is increasingly becoming essential when working with Airtable. It provides organizations with a comprehensive overview of their business operations, empowering them with profound data-driven insights. Not only do businesses gain the advantage of swift access to a broader spectrum of data, but IT departments also benefit from reduced data fragmentation and lower management costs, all while enhancing deployment architecture. In this article, we will explore how to seamlessly export Airtable to Excel.

Why is it so Important to Export from Airtable to Excel?

While the Airtable platform itself stands as a testament to its excellence and reliability, there may be various circumstances that necessitate the export of data to Excel. In this context, let's delve into some of the compelling reasons for such data export:

  1. Data Backup: One of the primary reasons to export data from Airtable to Excel is to create a secure backup of critical information stored in applications or databases. Consider scenarios like preserving your address book or email data from your email program, ensuring that even in the face of data loss, you have the means to restore what's essential.

  2. Smooth Transitions Between Programs: In an ever-evolving tech landscape, transitions from one program to another are common. Whether you're upgrading to a new software version or switching to a different software developer, data export is the bridge that ensures your information seamlessly moves along. It ensures that you can effortlessly adapt to new tools and technologies.

  3. Cross-Program Compatibility: The export process isn't just about moving data; it's about ensuring compatibility across different software platforms. Take, for instance, saving an Excel spreadsheet as a CSV file. This simple action opens doors to a wealth of possibilities, allowing you to import data into various databases or software applications without compatibility issues.

  4. Precision in Action: When dealing with extensive customer databases or multifaceted records, exporting specific segments of data becomes crucial. Imagine having a database with an extensive list of customers; you can efficiently extract data on users from a particular state, enabling the creation of tailored marketing materials and communications.

How to Export an Airtable to Excel

When working with Airtable, there are moments when you need to seamlessly export data to Excel. Whether you're looking to migrate information, analyze it in Excel's powerful spreadsheets, or simply need a backup in Excel format, knowing how to download Airtable to Excel is a valuable skill. Let’s learn how to smoothly download Airtable to Excel:

Step 1: Click on the "Grid View" button within the Web or Desktop Airtable applications.

Step 2: From the menu options, Select "Download CSV".

Step 3: Use this method to back up your data from Airtable to Excel.

How to Export Airtable to Excel and Back

If you want to seamlessly export Airtable records to Microsoft Excel (or vice versa), you can do it automatically through Unito's 2-way no-code integration for spreadsheets. This integration ensures your data remains reliable and up-to-date. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Before You Start:

  • Ensure you have accounts in both Airtable and Excel with the necessary permissions.

  • Make sure the first row of each synced table is a header row with clear titles.

  • Install the Unito add-in for Microsoft Excel.

Step 2: Create a Header in Microsoft Excel:

  • Open Excel Online and label each column in the first row with titles you want to map to/from Airtable.

  • Include "UnitoID" and "Last Modified" columns. You can do this manually or let the Unito extension do it.

Step 3: Connect Airtable and Excel to Unito:

  • Navigate to the Unito app and select "+ Create Flow".

  • Users will be redirected to Unito’s official website

  • Choose "Start Here" to connect Airtable and Excel with Unito.

  • Connect your Airtable account and API key.

  • Connect your Microsoft Excel account.

  • Confirm your selections.

Step 4: Set Flow Direction:

  • Choose the flow direction, either one-way or two-way, for how data will sync between Airtable and Excel.

Step 5: Set Rules:

  • Define rules to filter data between Airtable and Excel. For example, choose specific records or rows to sync.

Step 6: Choose Fields to Sync:

  • Pick which fields (columns) you want to keep in sync between Airtable and Excel.

  • You can auto-map fields or start from scratch and customize mappings.

Step 7: Launch the Export:

  • Save your settings, close, and launch the data export from Airtable to Excel.

Tips:

  • Plan Your Excel Fields: Before exporting data from Airtable to Excel, ensure you've set up your Excel columns with the appropriate fields. Trying to create fields in between default columns like "Unito ID" and "Last Modified" can be a bit complex.

  • Verify Account Setup: Make sure you have both your Airtable and Excel accounts properly configured on your PC. Smooth data transfer depends on seamless account integration.

  • Start with Simplicity: Begin with basic data mapping to avoid complexity. Gradually explore advanced features once you're comfortable.

Keep in mind that this method may involve several steps and interactions between different apps, which can be a bit frustrating initially. However, with practice, you'll find it becomes more manageable, and the benefits of downloading Airtable to Excel will outweigh the initial challenges.

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How to Export Attachments from Airtable to Excel

Unfortunately, there's no direct way to bulk export attachments from Airtable to Excel. However, you can achieve this using Zapier to move attachments to Google Drive first.

Step 1: Create a New Grid View

  • In your Airtable base, create a new grid view and name it "Exports".

  • In this view, add a new checkbox field.

  • Check off a single record in this view that has an attachment.

  • Configure a filter to show records where the checkbox field is checked, so only the one checked record is visible.

Step 2: Set Up Zapier Integration

  • Create a new Zap in Zapier.

  • Set "New record entering the export view" as the trigger for the zap.

  • For the Trigger Step:

  • Trigger App: Airtable

  • Airtable Trigger: New record in view

  • Account: Provide your Airtable API key (from Airtable.com/account).

  • Set up Options:

  • Select the "Export View".

  • Test this step and click Continue.

Step 3: Configure Google Drive Integration

  • Set up the following for the next (action) step:

  • Action App: Google Drive

  • Google Drive Action: Upload a file

  • Choose Account: Select your Google Drive account.

  • Set up the template:

  • Specify where the files will be uploaded to in Google Drive.

  • Set File to {Name of attachment field} URL.

  • Optionally, you can pull the File Name from the table's primary field.

  • Test this step and save the Zap. Turn it on.

Step 4: Move Attachments to Google Drive

  • Now, check the checkbox field for all records with attachments that you want to export to Google Drive.

  • As these records enter the "Exports" view, Zapier will send their attachments to Google Drive.

  • Depending on your Zapier plan, it may take up to fifteen minutes for this process to complete.

Step 5: Download Attachments from Google Drive

  • Go to your Google Drive and visit the "Recent" section.

  • Select multiple files by shift-clicking.

  • After selecting the files, you have the option to download all of them at once.

How to Edit Excel, Word, and Powerpoint for Free?

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Steps to Edit Word/Excel/Powerpoint in WPS:

Here is how users can edit their documents using the WPS Office:

Edit a Word File:

Step 1: Open the WPS Office suite by clicking on its icon on your computer's desktop or in the Start menu.

Step 2: Click on the "Docs" tab in the SideBar menu and, using WPS Writer, select your Word document.

Step 3: You can use the editing tools in the various tabs of WPS Writer to make your manuscript more readable, engaging, and professional.

Edit an Excel File:

Step 1: Click on the "Sheets" tab in the SideBar menu and select your Excel document using WPS Spreadsheet.

Step 2:  By using the editing features in WPS Spreadsheet, you can create an Excel document that is both informative and visually appealing.

Edit a PowerPoint Presentation:

Step 1: Open the "Slides" section of the WPS Office Sidebar and open your PowerPoint presentation using WPS Presentation.

Step 2: You can use the editing tools in the various tabs of WPS Presentation to make your presentation more polished and professional.

FAQs

Q1. Does Airtable integrate with Excel?

Yes, Airtable integrates with Microsoft Excel via external applications such as Zapier. You may link your Airtable data to Excel with this third-party application and automate data transfers or changes between the two platforms, providing greater liberty in managing and modifying your data. It comes in handy for users who desire to merge the benefits of Airtable's versatile database management and collaboration features with the power of Excel's data analysis and reporting skills.

Q2. How do I update an existing Excel sheet with new Airtable data?

You can achieve this by using the CSV Import app in Airtable, which allows you to update existing records in your Excel sheet. However, keep in mind that the process may require some experimentation to ensure that it adds and removes data as per your specific requirements.

Q3. Are there any Excel specifications and data limitations to be aware of?

Yes, Excel has certain limitations and specifications to be aware of:

  • Maximum of 1,048,576 rows by 16,384 columns on a worksheet.

  • Cell content can contain up to 32,767 characters.

  • Excel supports a maximum of 16 million colors.

  • PivotTable reports can have up to 1,048,576 unique items per field.

  • Users who can open a shared workbook simultaneously are limited to 256.

  • Excel tables are limited to 0 in a workbook that allows changes by multiple users.

  • Workbook size depends on available memory but is unlimited in a 64-bit environment.

These are some key limitations, and you can find more details on Microsoft's official Excel specifications and limits page.

Empower Your Data Journey: Airtable to Excel and Beyond

In this article, we've explored the process of exporting data from Airtable to Excel. While there are several alternative platforms for transferring your data from Airtable to other destinations without compromising quality, Airtable export to Excel remains the most popular choice. It offers robust features for sharing, collaboration, and enhancing productivity.

However, it's worth considering WPS Office as an excellent alternative. WPS Office provides a plethora of templates and tools designed to boost your productivity just as effectively. Download WPS Office now and experience the benefits for yourself!


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