Organize data in fields
Airtable
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Organize data in fields
Different workflows require tracking all kinds of information types—from dates, to text, to files.
In Airtable, fields allow you to organize all the details for any record in your base, so they can easily be sorted, managed, and analyzed.
What are fields?
A field stores custom details related to each record. Fields are displayed as vertical columns in your table’s grid view, and each field is designed to store one type of information.
This fitness brand is tracking and producing episodes for its workout platform in Airtable. Each record represents a single episode and each field stores key details: class type, instructor, launch date, status, shoot date, and so on.
Capturing different data types
Every field has a specific type, which dictates how the data inside is stored and visualized. Field types allow you to standardize and capture dynamic information, from text to numbers, dates to attachments.
This makes data entry simpler and more consistent. And later, as you start to visualize your work in different ways, each field becomes a piece of data you can use to sort, group, or filter by as you sift through your database.
Let’s explore five of the most popular field types, and try adding them to your base! Click the plus button on the far right to add a new field, or double-click an existing field to customize it.
1. Tag items or track status with single select field
2. Track key dates with a date field
The date field allows you to enter a date and optionally a time into a cell, or easily choose one from a calendar widget.
3. Check off important items with a checkbox field
The checkbox field gives you a simple yes/no tool—is it checked or not?
4. Store important files or images with attachment
The attachment field allows you to attach a file—like an image, an important PDF, or a video—directly to a record.
5. Add important details with long text
The long text field gives you the space you need for lengthier notes. With enabled rich text formatting, you can use line breaks, italics, bold, and hyperlinks, as well as @ mention other teammates working in your base.
Pro tip
There are more than 20 different field types available in Airtable, all of which behave differently. There are manual entry options like short text, or single select; auto-populating fields like last modified, or created by; and computed fields such as formula and rollup.
Take action: Adjust how your fields are displayed
You can adjust the order your fields are displayed with a simple drag and drop of the columns in your table.
