Connect your data with linked records

What are linked records?

Linked records are a powerful way of creating relationships between your data. You can use them to bring information from one field into another, or between multiple records, and even perform calculations between them.

For example, if you have one table that’s for action items, and another table that’s for projects, linking records between them will allow you to keep track of which projects are associated with which items, and vice versa. 

And the linkages flow both ways, so no matter which side of the link you look at, you’ll see the associated data from the other table.

When your data is structured in tables, linked records can help map complex relationships to streamline your workflow, and help you find information quickly.

Building a relational database

At its core, every Airtable base is a relational database, a dynamic home for your team’s data that comes with some special benefits.

Adding linked records to your workflow allows you to minimize redundant data entry, while ensuring that the latest information is readily available anywhere you need it.

It’s also the first step to automating parts of your workflow, by giving you access to a set of computed field types that can summarize and calculate data across bases.

Let’s explore how a few different teams might use linked records to build these powerful relationships in their workflows:

1. Connecting articles and writers

This editorial team is linking together their Articles and Writers tables, so that each writer’s record automatically populates with what pieces they currently have assigned.

They’re also using computed fields to automatically track how many pieces they have assigned at once, and who their editors are. This allows editors to quickly see who is at capacity, and who can take on more pieces, in real time.

2. Connecting episodes and featured products

This content production team is linking the products they feature in every workout, so they can quickly see what they need to have on hand for each episode.

3. Connecting product components and materials

This product team is tracking all the components for each piece of furniture they design, and linking to the specific materials used for each part.

Take action: Create a linked record

Try linking two tables together in your own base! Add a new field to one table, and choose “linked record” as the field type. Then link to the second table, and you can easily look up a record in one and associate it with the other.