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Airtable: Copy Data from One Base to Another (Sync, CSV, or Paste)

FE
Filla Editorial•beginner•Oct 31, 2025

Move records into a new base

If you redesigned your schema, here are reliable ways to bring data over.

Best overall: Sync then copy

  1. In the source base, share a view → “Sync data to another base”
  2. In the target base, create a new synced table from that source
  3. Once synced, copy/paste the synced table’s data into your native table (preserving field types)
  4. Optionally turn off sync; the copied data remains

Pros: preserves types better than CSV; low friction. Docs: https://support.airtable.com/v1/docs/getting-started-with-airtable-sync.

CSV export/import

  1. In the source, open the view → “Download CSV”
  2. In the target, use CSV Import (extension) or create a new table from CSV

Notes:

  • You must recreate non‑data field types (Formulas, Rollups, Lookups, Links)
  • Rebuild links after import by matching key fields

Copy‑paste

  1. In the source, select all (Cmd/Ctrl+A) and copy (Cmd/Ctrl+C)
  2. In the target, paste into a new table

Notes: same caveat. Recreate computed/linked fields. Useful for small tables and quick tests.

When relationships are involved

  • Import parent tables first, then children
  • Keep a stable natural key (e.g., email) to rebuild links via lookups after import
  • Consider temporary helper fields for matching and validating referential integrity

FAQ

Can I copy linked records between Airtable bases?

Not directly. Linked record relationships do not transfer through Sync, CSV, or copy-paste. Import parent tables first, then rebuild links in the target base using a stable key field like email or an external ID.

Does Airtable Sync copy or mirror data?

Sync mirrors data in real time. The synced table in the target base is read-only until you duplicate it or copy-paste its contents into a native table. Once you copy the data out, it no longer updates from the source.

Will CSV export preserve my field types?

No. CSV flattens everything to text. After importing, you will need to manually convert columns back to the correct field types and recreate formulas, rollups, lookups, and linked record relationships.

Collect data across bases without exporting

Moving data between bases usually means someone entered it in the wrong place. Filla lets you build Airtable forms that write directly to the correct base and table from the start, with linked record support and conditional logic built in.

  • Forms write to any base and table you connect
  • Linked record fields let submitters pick from existing records
  • Conditional logic shows only the fields each user needs

Start free with 5 forms and unlimited submissions.

Create your first form free →

References

Community guidance on copying data across bases, including Sync and CSV approaches: How do I copy the data from one database to another?